Sebastian Vettel is adamant he is still on course for the 2010 title, despite being roundly criticised for making too many mistakes.
Fellow contender Jenson Button has revealed that the 23-year-old German apologised after crashing him out of last Sunday's Belgian grand prix.
"Seb called after the race to apologise, which was good, but it doesn't give me my points back," the McLaren driver told Talksport.
The pair are now more than 30 points off the championship lead, but Red Bull's Vettel remains remarkably upbeat.
"I know how good we are -- I will take the title," he confidently predicted in the pages of Germany's latest Auto Bild Motorsport.
"Someone who has the most pole positions must think that way. These 13 races have not run completely smoothly, but I'm only 31 points behind.
"Assuming we maintain our speed, we can catch up quickly," added Vettel.
He said he is "honest enough" to acknowledge the mistakes he has made in 2010.
"In the end, it makes you a better driver," insisted Vettel, but he admitted that he is not a good loser.
"Why should I be? If I could lose well, I should not be in the sport," he said.
"But I'm also someone who can put things in the past and look ahead when the next morning comes."
