Alonso calls Schumacher 'most unsporting driver' in F1 history

Sep 12, 2006, 15:37 GMT

Madrid - Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has described retiring seven-time champion Michael Schumacher as 'the most unsporting driver in the history of Formula One,' it was reported in Spain Tuesday.

The Spanish driver said the 37-year-old Ferrari driver would be retiring with far less honour than French footballer Zinedine Zidane, whose final game saw him sent off in the World Cup final for a headbutt.

Alonso, who is battling Schumacher for the world title, made the remarks to Radio Marca Monday night, a day after Schumacher had won the Italian Grand Prix in Monza and announced he would be retiring at the end of the season.

'Michael is the man with the most sanctions and the most unsporting driver in the history of Formula One,' Alonso said.

Comparing Schumacher to Zidane, Alonso said: 'Zidane retired with more glory than Schumacher, but I can still see that he has been the fastest driver for the last 10 years, and racing against him has been an honour.

'That doesn't take away from the fact that he has been the best driver and it has been an honour and pleasure to battle against him. Everyone has their time and you have to respect his decision. Things will be more equal now.'

Alonso was furious after being penalized five places in the grid after Saturday qualifying. He then had to pull out of the race when his Renault engine failed 10 laps from the end.

'No one is going to believe the penalty I was given for a long time to come,' Alonso said.

'The excuse they gave was far from honest. That the Italian newspapers headlined this as a robbery is not good for our sport. One thing I am clear about, though, is that he who laughs last, laughs longest.'