Exclusive! Schumacher tells all to Autosport

In a one-on-one interview with Autosport's Grand Prix editor Jonathan Noble in Enzo Ferrari's office at Fiorano, Schumacher lowers his guard, de-activates his self-defence mechanism and gives frank views about what really makes him tick.

The German explains why he hasn't altered his work ethic this season, and feels more motivated than ever now that the weight of expectation of delivering Ferrari's first world drivers' title for 21 years has been lifted from his shoulders.

"I wouldn't be Michael Schumacher if I suddenly changed my approach," he said. "If I started to get a little lazy and started to think that the next team meeting is not so necessary and I should go shopping with my wife. It is not me. I keep the focus, but without this extra pressure."

Schumacher says the hardest part of his role as a sporting megastar is his duties away from the race track. Although he refuses to give in-depth interviews during a race weekend, he says the media interest makes his life difficult.

"The hardest part of my job is certainly off-track, particularly dealing with the press and the press work," he said. "It is not what I am made for. I am made for sports I can do, for 10 hours a day, and then be fine. But a two-hour press conference would kill me. I am not made for it. I don't enjoy them, it's a simple as that."

In this week's Autosport, on sale April 26, Schumacher also discusses his views on...

Why Ferrari will be back on form in this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

How his relationship with brother Ralf will not be affected if they start fighting for the world championship.

Why the accusations that some teams are cheating won't stop this weekend, despite the return of traction control.

Why he thinks David Coulthard and Jacques Villeneuve don't fancy being his team mate.
For Schuey's opinions on the return of traction control to Formula 1, click HERE.