Felipe Massa considered quitting Formula One last season amidst rumours that Ferrari were on the verge of sacking him.
After failing to reach the podium in 2011, Massa was a driver under pressure last season as he needed a flying start. That, though, did not materialise.
The 31-year-old struggled to get to grips with Ferrari's F2012 and its Pirelli tyres and failed to score in the first three grands prix.
This heaped even more pressure on Massa's shoulders to the point that stories were doing the rounds claiming that Ferrari were debating whether to sack the Brazilian mid-season.
However, it wasn't only Ferrari who were thinking about ending the partnership at that time.
Asked if he considered quitting Massa told the BBC Sport: "Yeah.
"I thought about so many things. I thought maybe I was finished. I thought about not staying in Ferrari.
"I did not know what would happen. So many things were inside my brain."
The 11-time grand prix winner, though, stuck it out and even worked with a sports psychologist a decision that paid dividends as not only did Massa's results improve, he also achieved his first podium in two years and secured a contract extension with Ferrari.
"I talked to everyone. But I also did work with a professional psychologist, sporting psychologist.
"That was just the beginning. After that I was able to change the direction to think, the direction to work and I think it was like training I did. But also I think my family helps, definitely 100 percent."
He added: "The result is the most important thing. If you are able to show things change very quickly in F1, people who are sure you are finished they say different things after.
"Many people said I was just using fuel at the beginning of the year and then after they want me to stay in Ferrari because it was the best option. It is important to work to get the good result. If you have that nothing else is important."
