Aware that time is running out if he is to retain his Ferrari drive for a ninth season, Felipe Massa didn't quite convince at today's press conference.

The popular Brazilian has said that if he loses his drive with Ferrari he will quit F1. Trailing his teammate by 84 points, with the likes of Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta and Jules Bianchi being linked with his seat, it was hard not to believe that this might be his final appearance at Monza in the scarlet of the Maranello outfit.

When it was pointed out that last year he struggled in the early part of the season but improved as it went on, a complete reversal of his fortunes in 2013, he said: "What is important to say is that this year the performance was good at every race. We couldn't put together the results at the end of the race. I was not very lucky in so many things. I had two races where I had problems with the tyres. I spun at the Nurburgring, problem with the suspension in Monaco.

"For sure so many things happened that I couldn't finish where I was supposed to but the performance was there. I think that's important. I just need to put everything together and finish races where I'm supposed to and then I think the performance will be there and the results will be there as well."

When it was pointed out that this weekend might be his last chance to convince the team to retain him he replied: "I think I definitely need a good race. That's always important. I think it's important to try to use the car in the maximum way it is possible. I think that's what gives you pleasure, even if you don't win the race but you did the best you could. I think that's always the most important thing.

"The team can see that, race by race, all the time," he continued. "You cannot forget that Ferrari knows me very well. It's the team that knows me most. About experience, we know how important next year is as well. Everything starts from zero: different car, different rules, everything, so the driver's experience is important as well. Sometimes you just look at the results of this race; that's not what counts the most. I think it's everything together. But anyway, it's always important to do the maximum we can in this race and try to use the best of the car that we're going to have this weekend."

Asked when he might expect a decision, the Brazilian replied: "I think you need to ask this question of Stefano (Domenicali)."

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