Michael Schumacher hints at future role with Mercedes F1 team

The seven-time world champion bowed out of his three-year racing comeback with the squad at the end of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished seventh.

Schumacher has not been drawn so far on his plans for his second retirement from F1. When he last stepped out of the cockpit in 2006, he remained with Ferrari as an advisor and started contesting domestic motorcycle races in Germany.

He suggested that his first priority would be to see if his relationship with Mercedes could continue.

"Obviously I will be in discussions with Mercedes to see what we're going to do together," said Schumacher.

"There are good ideas and good options. I'm pretty sure my calendar will easily be filled up."

Schumacher believes that between his existing commercial partners and a desire to spend more time with his family, he will not need to seek too many new distractions.

"I've certainly been counting down the days to the life I have next to Formula 1, and I look forward to this life," he said.

"I don't have concrete future plans. I obviously have partners I've been working with during the F1 time and I'll keep on working with them in the time after.

"Lots more time will be dedicated to the family, and if there is some time left over afterwards then we'll see."