Mark Webber has promised he will be a much stronger competitor next year, but concedes that his best chance of winning the World Championship has already passed him by.
The Australian has been unable to match the stunning form of teammate Sebastian Vettel this year, and believes this year's battle was lost on the back of a poor start to the campaign.
In an interview with Yahoo.com, Webber spoke positively about his chances for 2012, but was also mindful of the opportunity that went missing 12 months ago.
"You can expect a stronger me next season and I hope to get a smooth start like we did in 2010," said Webber. "For now, I just want to finish it as strong as I can and get some good results."
When asked if he felt 2010 was his last shot at the championship, Webber replied: "Yes, of course, I do think that last year was my last chance at being World Champion. But I've pushed very, very hard and done many, many things that other people could not have achieved so I'm very proud of what I did."
Reflecting on being teammate to a driver as strong as Sebastian Vettel, he added: "To win the championship you need 100 percent from the team. I think it's difficult for the team to give 100 percent to both drivers as we are both demanding. Looking at the start we actually got, it's clear where the support needs to go and I respect that in some way.
"The team has given me a great opportunity to do well. I ask for a reliable and strong car every weekend and I will give my best. The team knows I always give my best."
Webber also made it clear that when he decides to retire from driving, he will likely turn his back on F1 completely because he is tired of the politics.
"It's a new chapter after you're done driving in F1. I haven't thought so much of what I would do after F1, but it's definitely not here. Now I enjoy the driving but when the day comes and I'm not driving I'll go and do something different. Why? Because of the politics – I really don't like it."