Michael Schumacher believes Fernando Alonso continues to improve © Sutton Images Enlarge Related Links Drivers:

Fernando Alonso

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Michael Schumacher Teams:

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Mercedes

Michael Schumacher has singled out Fernando Alonso as the strongest driver on the 2012 grid.

Alonso leads the standings by 40 points from Mark Webber despite starting the season with a vastly inferior car to many of his championship rivals. As Schumacher prepares for the 300th grand prix of his career he was asked by Bild who he thinks is the strongest of the current drivers and replied: "Fernando Alonso.

"He outgrows just about himself. There are sometimes phases where everything comes to one - but he has worked for it. And he has it."

Speaking about another double world champion in Sebastian Vettel, Schumacher said that one area he could improve is dealing with defeats better.

"Sebastian is a great guy and a great driver who has to deal with opposition. This is a learning process. To be a good winner, you have to lose too. I know that each and every driver does not like to lose, I am no exception, but this is part of your development. Only when you have learned the losing do you gain respect and enjoy the winning more. Life is an up and down, you must learn that."