Hill: Formula One will be better off without Schumacher

Britain's last world champion, Damon Hill, claims his former rival Michael Schumacher has had a negative impact on Formula One.

German driver Schumacher could clinch a record eighth drivers' title this weekend in Japan, should he win and Fernando Alonso finish out of the points.

If he cannot seal the title this weekend, Schumacher will have a second chance in Brazil a fortnight later.

But Hill, world champion in 1996, said: "To be frank, I have to say that brilliant driver though he is, he's not been good for the sport."

Now 46, Hill acknowledged that 37-year-old Schumacher has "done some amazing things".

However, Hill claimed that Schumacher's success has made the sport less appealing to spectators.

The former Williams driver added: "He is a very tough competitor but I have to say that from time to time the entertainment value seems to have waned slightly with Michael's dominance.

"I'm looking forward to Formula One without Michael and hopefully some real competition again."

Hill was famously involved in a collision with Schumacher at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, in Adelaide. Neither driver could finish the race, meaning Schumacher pipped Hill to the world title.

He considers Schumacher a favourite for this year's world title. The seven-times world champion is level on points with Spaniard Alonso but leads the championship courtesy of his seven wins to Alonso's six.

"I have to say that psychologically Michael is bullet-proof," said Hill. "Alonso has made some remarks recently about not having the support of the team.

"There has been a little bit of kerfuffle about whether the Renault team are giving him full support.

"So Alonso pours his heart out to a journalist and it looks like he's feeling the pressure now."