Schumacher: I deserved 2010 criticism

The seven-time champion did not finish on the podium in the first year of his return with Mercedes, and was overshadowed by team-mate Nico Rosberg.

In an interview on his personal website published to mark a year since his comeback deal was announced, Schumacher said media criticism was "okay for me."

"I haven't looked good all the time either," Schumacher admitted. "I can live with criticism very well, you just have to differentiate it and it can bring you forward as well.

"What is much more important is that I deeply enjoy building what we are building here at this team and that is always the best base for success because you do not need to question the motivation. And please don't get me wrong here; you don't question the seriousness either. I can't wait already to get the new season started."

The German emphasised that he had anticipated his return to Formula 1 would be a tough process, though the lack of results did take him by surprise.

"The year has been a big challenge, and in this respect my expectations have been fulfilled," said Schumacher. "In terms of results, we clearly did not meet our expectations.

"But then, you have to fight for the things you want to achieve, which has always been my credo. Mercedes, the whole team, me - we are working together to build something great. Not being an easy process makes the challenge more exciting.

"None of us is the type of guy to just give up when faced with setbacks. It is the opposite, this makes us even more determined. I think I have proved over many years that I love challenges and that I am able to handle them. I have not regretted my decision to come back at all."

Schumacher showed stronger form from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, and said that upward curve left him 'tingling' with excitement over the possibility of fighting for wins in 2011

"I look forward to some quiet days with my family over Christmas but I also notice that I am going all tingly already thinking about next year," he said.

"We ended the season with a positive feeling and things were starting to come together with a tendency that was clearly positive. And from a physical point of view, the year wasn't very demanding for me.

"So, knowing our developments for the new year makes me confident that we can fight for some race victories from our own power. This is a prospect which makes me look forward to competing again."