Alonso becomes the top scorer in Formula 1

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso has surpassed Michael Schumacher as the all-time leading points scorer in Formula One history. Alonso scored 12 points for finishing fourth in Japan on Sunday, taking his career tally to 1,571 points - five more than Schumacher’s total of 1,566.

"I am very proud of having become the driver with the most points in the history of this sport, even if for a few years now, with the change to the points system, you get more,” said the Spaniard, recognizing the significant change to the points-scoring system that took place in 2010.

“Now I want to celebrate this record and think about the next race in India.”

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali also hailed Alonso's achievement, describing it as "proof of his extraordinary talent and something which makes us very proud."

World championship leader Sebastian Vettel is currently third in the all-time points list with 1,351, having added 25 to his tally with victory at Suzuka.