Schumacher flags possibility of ’small belly’

Michael Schumacher has admitted his fitness could slip now that he is returning to retirement.

But the great seven time world champion, who after almost two decades on the F1 grid is now retiring for a second time, told his fans not to worry about him.

"Why would anyone worry what Michael Schumacher is going to do when he stops?" the 43-year-old is quoted by RTL.

"He has a family and is just happy to spend time with them and not have too many plans.

"And, anyway, my calendar will be full next year."

Schumacher would not say what those plans are, but sources insist he has totally ruled out a management role, such as to replace Mercedes’ departing Norbert Haug.

The German joked that, the next time some fans see him, he might have grown a "small belly".