Michael Schumacher is expected to end his career once his current Ferrari contract expires in 2006, according to his manager.
The five-times Formula One world champion extended his Ferrari contract on Monday by two years until the end of the 2006 campaign.
After that, the 34-year-old German is likely to retire, said his manager, Willi Weber.
"At the end of 2006 Formula One will be over for him," Weber told German sports news agency SID. "At least that's what I expect.
"In January 2007 he will be 38. Then he will be able to say quietly: "That was it for me in Formula One.'"
Ferrari announced sporting director Jean Todt, technical director Ross Brawn, chief designer Rory Byrne and engine director Paolo Martinelli had also extended their contracts to the end of 2006.
Schumacher is the most successful driver in Ferrari's history and took his third successive world title last year with six races to spare. He has a record 67 career wins.
The German has won three times this year and can regain the championship lead in Canada this weekend. He is currently four points behind McLaren's Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen.
Weber said Schumacher's decision to stay with Ferrari had nothing to do with money.
"The conditions are the same as for the current contract," he said. "He didn't get a pay rise and he didn't get a pay cut. There is no clause allowing him to get out. Sport was the important factor for Michael, not money."