Felipe Massa says he was "worried" his Ferrari career would end this season after a trying 18 months.
Failing to reach the podium last year, Massa was in need of a flying start to this season but that did not materialise.
Instead it took the Brazilian until the 15th race of the Championship, Japan, to secure his first top-three result.
However, that came in the nick of time ensuring Ferrari re-signed him for another season.
"Yes there were moments when I was worried, but then, after things started to improve, I was very calm about what would happen," Massa said.
"I did look around at the situation in other teams, but I never had what one could call real discussions with them, because I always wanted to stay here."
He added: "Why did Ferrari decide to extend my contract? You the press also know me well and know what I can do.
"I am capable of doing a good job, knowing how to put together all aspects, from my driving, to the way I work with the team, the car, it's set-up and so on and that way, I've been able to enjoy myself and win what I have won.
"I am sure if I do all that again then the results will come."
And the 31-year-old reckons his improved results will only assist him in claiming even better results as one positive leads to another.
"Mentally, I am much happier and calm, because I believe good results bring other good elements and that helps create other positives.
"In the end, I don't think the car had changed that much but it's also true that before August, I also had good races but something happened that meant I could not finish in the positions I should have done.
"From then on, we have managed to put together good races, both in terms of pace and because nothing went wrong in those races.
"So I am much happier and more motivated now. It's been good for me and of course, it's also good for the team."
