Lewis Hamilton is hoping his fans have not lost their faith in him in a year in which he has been overshadowed by fellow Briton Jenson Button.
For the third successive grand prix - and for the first time in his career - Hamilton failed to finish in the points as he trailed home 13th in Turkey, 80 seconds down on race winner Button.
The world champion has resigned himself to the fact he is driving a woeful McLaren at present, described as the worst ever built by the team, and one that shows few signs of improvement.
It is hardly the situation Hamilton envisaged ahead of the British Grand Prix in a fortnight, a race in which he enthralled a nation a year ago en route to taking the title.
On this occasion, if McLaren fail to bolt on the upgrades they had planned to introduce for the German Grand Prix in early July, the 24-year-old will be fortunate to collect a point.
But a philosophical Hamilton, realising his position in the team is fundamentally different these days, remarked: "The most important thing is for us to keep our heads up and to keep pushing.
"I know this car is not the best, and perhaps we won't be able to win with this one, but I'm going to keep pushing this year.
"I see my role from now on as helping the team to cure the problems with this year's car, and to make next year's the best it can possibly be.
"When the team gives me a car to win, I will win.
"Now we look ahead to Silverstone, and I really wish Jenson all the best. He did a fantastic job.
"Personally, I hope I can come away from my home race with a great feeling from my home fans. I hope they won't give up supporting me."
