BERLIN, Oct 22, 2007 (AFP) - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher congratulated Kimi Raikkonen for claiming the world Formula One title in Brazil at the weekend, saying he had never expected such a dramatic finish.

Raikkonen won the 2007 championship after finishing first ahead of Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa at Interlagos on Sunday.

"I congratulate Kimi and the whole team for this superb performance," Schumacher told his internet site (www.michael-schumacher.de).

"It´s a pity I was not there to celebrate the title with the whole team," added the driver who retired at the end of 2006.

"This last race was incredible, passionate and with an unlikely scenario. I always thought you have to believe in your chances right till the end even if they are very small.

"But nobody really believed there would be an end to the championship like this."

McLaren however are considering appealing to motorsport´s world governing body FIA after the stewards´ decision not to punish the BMW Sauber and Williams teams for using allegedly irregular fuel during the race.

The Williams of Nico Rosberg and the BMWs of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld finished ahead of McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, which effectively prevented him claiming the world title in his rookie season.