MILAN (Reuters) - Ferrari's Felipe Massa can overcome the disappointment of losing the world title to Lewis Hamilton and challenge again next year, said seven-times Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.

McLaren's Hamilton took the crown after sneaking into fifth place on the final bend of Sunday's dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix to deny Massa, who streaked to victory in his home race.

"I congratulate Lewis Hamilton and I am sending very warm greetings to Felipe and all our guys in Brazil," former Ferrari driver Schumacher told his official website (www.michael-schumacher.de).

"Felipe can leave that race with his head up, as with this performance he surely has convinced all the people who still had doubts about his driving skills. He will for sure attack again next year."

Schumacher, who tested a Ducati Superbike in Portugal on Monday, was stunned by the finish in the season-ending race in Brazil.

"What a finale. I have never seen anything like this, not as a racer and not as a spectator -- you can probably only say it was fate."

Massa said he had spoken to record titleholder Schumacher and wanted to talk with Briton Hamilton, at 23 the sport's youngest champion, once the dust has settled.

"Schumi called me and and complimented me. I want to meet Hamilton and his dad to tell them they deserved the title," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.