Nick Heidfeld readily concedes he is currently a man under pressure - but more from himself than BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen.
Following the European Grand Prix in Valencia 12 days ago, Theissen admitted he was "not sure" whether he had seen enough from Heidfeld to convince him to renew the German's contract for next season.
Heidfeld has been out-qualified 11-1 by team-mate Robert Kubica so far this season, and although only 14 points behind the Pole in the drivers' standings, has struggled to match the 23-year-old's form.
There are suggestions BMW Sauber have already taken up the option on Kubica's contract for next year, although the team are refusing to confirm anything at present.
Heidfeld, though, is in limbo, and unless there is a dramatic improvement from the 31-year-old over the closing six races of the year - starting with Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix - he could find himself out of a job.
Appreciating the circumstances, Heidfeld said: "I know I'm under pressure, but I put myself under pressure more than anybody else could do from the outside.
"It's pretty clear, if one car finishes on the podium and I finish ninth, nobody needs to tell me anything."
Qualifying has been Heidfeld's downfall as he has only managed a top-five grid placing on two occasions, limiting his chances of a high points-scoring finish.
That will form a key factor in Theissen's decision making, and he said: "It has to, because if you look what you can do from P10, it is limited."
Heidfeld has previously laid the blame on tyres, but he also knows there have been mistakes of his making he has to eradicate.
"Obviously, it's all about understanding the problems, changing some things and trying to go quicker," added Heidfeld.
"I was in a similar situation a while ago earlier this year and I thought I had put that behind me.
"I was then a bit surprised to run into a similar sort of problem again in Valencia.
"I knew roughly where to search, and I think I've made steps forward, but we will find out in the next couple of races.
"I admit, though, my qualifying form has been erratic, up and down.
"Lap time-wise, pace-wise, I have been a lot better than earlier this season.
"On one hand I've had some bad luck with traffic, and secondly, I have made more mistakes than usual.
"That's obviously something I'm also working on, but I don't think that's as difficult to change as the pace problems I had earlier in the season."
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