Jenson Button says his experience of Formula 1's highs and lows through his 12-year career has helped him to prevent despondency creep in during his recent struggles.
The McLaren driver has scored just two points in the last four races, and knows must turn around his situation if he is to keep himself in the World Championship fight. But although Button's difficulties stretched for four races, he says the numerous ups and downs he has experienced in the past meant he never let the troubles get blown out of proportion.
When asked if he ever let himself get down about what has happened, Button said: "I probably would have five or six years ago, but I am at the point of my career now where I am with a great team; I've won a championship and many races.
"You realize it can't be all good – and you have to go through difficult times. It cannot all be great, as long as you learn in those difficult times and improve yourself, which I think you can.
"I don't think it is a bad thing. It hurts my championship, but maybe it is not a bad thing; maybe it is going to be a massive comeback this year and we will win it easy. Who knows? But I don't come into this race negative. I am still very confident – obviously in myself but also in the car and my chances of fighting for the World Championship."
Button has reverted to a similar setup to team-mate Lewis Hamilton for this weekend's race in Valencia after the team's analysis of his problems suggested that a direction he had taken with his settings were contributing to his difficulties.