Michael Schumacher has dismissed suggestions that his seventh Formula One world title, clinched on Sunday at the Belgian Grand Prix, could prompt him to retire.
"I've heard that I was about to announce my retirement but I'm very sorry I'll have to disappoint whoever was thinking along those lines," Schumacher said during a break from testing tyres at Monza. "I've got competition in my blood, I live for it. I'll carry on as long as this instinct lasts and I remain competitive."
Schumacher finished second behind Finland's Kimi Raikkonen at Spa to clinch his fifth consecutive world title.The next grand prix is at Monza on September 12th when Ferrari's Italian fans will have a chance to celebrate their success and Schumacher says he is looking forward to it.
"From now on racing will be more enjoyable because I will be able to concentrate on every single race starting with Monza, without needing to think about tactics. I'll just be able to race," he said.
The 35-year-old German said it was not yet time to reflect on his success.
"To be honest I never look back, I focus on the next objectives. There are the winter months to take in fully what I
have achieved," he said.