Schumacher set for new role

The 37-year-old announced he will hang up his helmet at the end of this season, giving him just three more Grands Prix to run in an incredible career.

But while Formula One will have seen the last of Schumacher when he leaves Interlagos in Sao Paulo on October 22, Ferrari most certainly have not.

The seven-time world champion will retain a role with Ferrari, most likely in an ambassadorial capacity.

He said: "I will always be part of that Ferrari family, we will have to find out how.

"I will keep a relationship with Ferrari. Naturally the focus is on the last three races and all the details come after that."

Schumacher's unprecedented success in Formula One started with the Enstone-based Benetton team, but he will forever be remembered for his decade at Ferrari.

He won five consecutive world titles with Formula One's oldest team, as well as enduring several high-profile controversies which have tarnished his legacy.

"It has been a really exceptional time," Schumacher said. "I have really loved every single moment, the good and the bad ones. They make life so special."

The German described winning at Monza prior to announcing his decision as "my toughest race".

He beat Ferrari replacement Kimi Raikkonen to the chequered flag for his 90th win and claimed he is leaving the team in good hands, with the Finn joining Felipe Massa next season.

He added: "Ferrari existed before and Ferrari will exist after. They have taken a very good decision on their driver line-up to make sure success can continue."

But Schumacher played down any suspicion that Raikkonen's arrival had pushed him out of the door at Ferrari, adding: "The team left me every opportunity, every door was open."

Beyond his continuing role at Ferrari, Schumacher would not be drawn on his long-term plans.

"I always said that the day I will retire I will just do nothing for a while and then see what I will do and what my mood is," he said.