Michael Schumacher won seven World Championships but none with Mercedes. (Photo: Getty Images)

Schumacher Rules Out Becoming F1 Pundit: Michael Schumacher has ruled out returning to the Formula One paddock as a television pundit. It is an occupation now enjoyed by a number of the seven time world champion's rivals, like former teammates Martin Brundle and Johnny Herbert, and even his title nemesis Damon Hill. But, although now returning to retirement after three final years with Mercedes, Schumacher is not coming back to occupy a microphone. "That would not be my thing," he told Bild newspaper. "First, things move so fast in Formula One that even I am already a long way behind, and that is not my style," said the 44-year-old legend. "Secondly, once again I would be away from my family, and not even having the fun of driving."So, asked what he will be doing when the cars line up on the Melbourne grid without him next weekend, Schumacher answered: "At home, watching TV."

Fresh Eyesight For Hulkenberg In 2013: Nico Hulkenberg has arrived in Australia for the first race of 2013 with a clearer view than usual. Switzerland's Blick newspaper reports that the Sauber driver, previously a user of contact lenses whilst at the wheel, has over the winter had his eyesight corrected with laser therapy. "I had no problem with contact lenses," the 25-year-old German confirmed, "but this makes things easier."

Webber Not Vettel's Number 2 - Mateschitz: He might have won the last three world championships on the trot, but Sebastian Vettel is not Red Bull's number 1 driver. That is the claim of team owner Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian billionaire who said Vettel's veteran teammate Mark Webber will continue to enjoy equal status in 2013. "When he (Webber) has a strong day, he is a tough opponent for Vettel," the 68-year-old said during an interview with Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper. "He has a hard time against Vettel, but the team guarantees him the same material and the same treatment," added Mateschitz. "We are pleased to have two number one drivers," he insisted. The fact remains, however, that Australian Webber only has a deal in place for this season, while Toro Rosso hopefuls Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne champ at the bit. Asked if he has a chance of joining the senior team in 2014, Frenchman Vergne told RMC Sport: "It's too early to tell. "Nobody is saying that Webber will retire in 2014. Maybe he will win races, maybe even the championship. For now, there are too many 'ifs' about 2014," he added.

Bianchi Slimming Down For Marussia Debut: Jules Bianchi is on a race to slim down ahead of his Formula One debut in Australia this weekend. The Ferrari-linked Frenchman secured the Marussia race seat at the eleventh hour, after contracted Brazilian driver Luiz Razia's sponsorship money failed to materialize. Speed Week reports that 23-year-old Bianchi has been put on a training and diet regime to shed 2 kilograms. Bianchi admitted the weight loss is "because of the weight distribution" of his 2013 car. "Now there's only salad for lunch, which should help, even though I am hungry all the time," he said during an interview for French television.