F1: Michael Schumacher insists Ferrari bosses did not force him to announce his retirement following his emotional victory in the Italian Grand Prix.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Schumacher finally ended speculation surrounding his future by confirming he is to quit at the end of this season.
That did not stop rumours surrounding the timing of the announcement, as there were suggestions Ferrari were eager to confirm next year's driver line-up on home soil at Monza.
While Schumacher has scotched such rumours, it did cross his mind to wait until after the final grand prix of this season in Brazil.
"I know there has been a lot of speculation about the timing of my announcement, but for me it was just right," said Schumacher.
"Ferrari were incredibly gracious and left it all up to me to say when.
"After we decided on Monza, I was a little unsure while we were in Istanbul (for the Turkish Grand Prix) and wondered whether to wait until the end of the year.
"But in testing at Monza, Jean (Todt) asked me what I would prefer to do, and I decided to tell everyone after the Monza race because I wanted to be able to focus on it beforehand."
With his retirement plans confirmed, Schumacher's mind is free to concentrate on bowing out at the very top.
"I'm absolutely focused on the championship," insisted Schumacher, who has now banished all talk of his future until after Brazil.
"We have almost closed the gap. In the constructors' championship we are even ahead of Renault, so both titles are there for the taking.
"From now on the only thing that counts is the championship title. Everything else will have to wait." Agencies