Rubens Barrichello insists he does not go into this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix worried about his Formula 1 future, as he feels satisfied with and grateful for his grand prix career no matter what happens in 2012.
The veteran seems set to lose his Williams seat next year, and may face a battle to find a new drive - meaning his 326th F1 appearance may be his last in a racing capacity.
But rather than worrying about what 2012 may hold, Barrichello said he was feeling thankful for the 19 years he had already enjoyed in F1 - pointing out that other drivers facing uncertain futures, such as Bruno Senna, had only managed a fraction of that time at the top level so far.
"I think it would be sad to be worried about the future," said Rubens.
"I had 19 lovely seasons.
"As much as I wish Bruno all the success in the future, he is in his second year and having to work hard to stay here, and you imagine I have been here for 19 seasons.
"I've been doing this for such a long time and been wanted here for such a long time, so I feel good."
Barrichello produced one of his best drives of the year in Abu Dhabi a fortnight ago to come through from the back of the grid to 12th, a performance the Brazilian said he enjoyed even if he doubted it would make much difference to his career prospects.
"It was good to race hard and I didn't finish in the points but I still had a lot of pleasure from the drive," he said.
"It was really good, but I don’t think the results right now make any change in what people think I can do or cannot do.
"It's based on different parameters and I'm just waiting to see.
"I hope it's enough to secure me a good drive for next year."
Barrichello reckons everyone in the F1 paddock is clear about what he would be able to offer a team and he feels no need to beg for a chance.
"I still have a lot of youth in me and I just feel that it is not something where I am asking 'please give me the drive'," he said.
"If someone wants me to drive on a competitive basis it's because they believe I can do a good job – and that's why I am here."
He added that this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix would be an emotional experience regardless of what his future held, and he hoped he could end the year in style if nothing else.
"I've lived 20 years of my life just on the other side of the road and I know pretty much everyone around here, so it's a lot of emotion coming to Interlagos and to drive here," said Barrichello.
"So even though I don’t have a competitive car, you have hopes and you have to dream, and my dream is to have the best chance possible to put the car in the points and to have the best finishing position that I can manage."