Schumacher considering new role at Mercedes

The 43-year-old, who says there are plenty of interesting options to ponder over the festive period, left the sport for a second time last weekend.

"I will be in discussions with Mercedes to see what we're going to do together," Schumacher said of his future. "There are good ideas and good options, I'm pretty sure my calendar will easily be filled up.

"I don't have concrete future plans. I obviously have partners I've been working with during the F1 time and I'll keep on working with them in the time after."

With Schumacher's second stint in F1 proving to be largely unsuccessful, he revealed that hanging up his helmet had been on his mind for some time.

"I've certainly been counting down the days to the life I have next to Formula 1, and I look forward to this life," he added. "Lots more time will be dedicated to the family, and if there is some time left over afterwards then we'll see (what will happen)."

From 307 starts with Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes, Schumacher claimed seven world titles, 91 victories, a further 64 podium finishes and 68 pole positions.