Sebastian Vettel insists Formula One history has taught him not to throw in the towel on his World-title chances.
Vettel trails Jenson Button by 25 points in the standings with only a maximum of 30 left to play for from the final three races of the year, starting in Japan on Sunday.
In fairness to the young Red Bull Racing star he is seemingly in need of a miracle if he is to overhaul both Button and his Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello.
In particular as the 21-year-old has used eight engines this year, with one more change guaranteeing him a 10-place grid penalty.
Yet a defiant Vettel said: "Regarding the Championship, history has shown many different examples of how it can finish over the years, with it going either way.
"At the next few races our approach will be simple: we will try to get pole position and try to win, so it's very straightforward."
Team principal Christian Horner also appreciates his team has "a mountain to climb", adding: "Theoretically we need to win every race with Jenson DNF-ing (did not finish) in most of them.
"Mathematically there's still a chance so we are going to attack the three remaining weekends and try to win all three."
Arguably, Red Bull have suffered too many engine issues over the course of the year that have hampered their chances in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
Horner, though, insists he has no reason to feel dismayed at the way the season has eventually unfolded.
"When you reflect on the season as a whole there's been opportunities that have been lost, but we've had a great season," added Horner.
"We've had 12 podiums, three wins, four poles, scored 109 points and the car has consistently been the best chassis throughout all the circuits we've been to.
"Obviously there was the controversy with the double diffuser at the beginning of the season, and we had to redesign a lot of the rear end of the car.
"But I think the team has done a brilliant job this year, I really do.
"The team can be proud of what it has achieved, and there's still three races to go, which is the opportunity for three potential race wins."
With Mark Webber out of the equation, Horner is now almost certain to ask the Australian to assist Vettel in whatever way possible.
"Obviously, Mark has had a great Championship challenge this year which came to an end in unfortunate circumstances," added Horner, referring to the brake failure in Singapore on Sunday.
"But he's a big team player and he'll do the best job he can for the team."
