A proud Oscar Piastri says his achievements in his debut Formula One season have provided motivation for more success next year.
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The Melbourne-born driver finished ninth overall on the drivers' standings in a year highlighted by two podium placings.
Piastri came sixth in his McLaren in the season-ending Abu Dhabi grand prix to cap his first season behind the F1 wheel.
The Australian scored a breakthrough podium finish when third in the Japan grand prix in late September.
He followed that with second in the following race in Qatar in early October, where he also won the sprint race.
Piastri said he was "happy overall" with his season.
"Definitely some things to work on," Piastri said after the Abu Dhabi race.
"But there's been a lot of highlights, a lot of moments I have been proud of.
"I have two podiums, a sprint win in my first season - they're proud moments, definitely."
Piastri said the achievements were a platform to build on next season, but success was not guaranteed.
"With how competitive the sport is at the moment, you really can't take those things for granted," he said.
"So to have those in my first season is an honour and hopefully we can try and make it a more regular occurrence next year.
"We want to aim for more than that next year.
"But I have enjoyed my first year of F1 a hell of a lot.
"There's been some great highlights, some trickier moments, but it's all part of the experience."
The 22-year-old Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris took McLaren to fourth in the constructors' championship.
Piastri's fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished 11th in Abu Dhabi to complete a season when he started without a seat but finished with Alpha Tauri.
Ricciardo will remain with Alpha Tauri next season despite speculation linking him with a return to sister team Red Bull, who he left in 2019 for Renault, since rebranded as Alpine.
The West Australian began the season as a Red Bull reserve driver and was summoned by Alpha Tauri in July when incumbent Nyck de Vries was released from his contract.
Ricciardo, who raced seven times for Alpha Tauri in a season disrupted by a broken hand and finished 17th of 22 in the drivers' standings, had mixed feelings about the end of the season.
"Part of me is happy to go on a break to prepare for a full season but I would also like to continue racing," he said.
"It's exciting having a proper off-season and knowing I want to be here.
"I was happy with the races I have done."
Ricciardo's best finish was seventh in Mexico late last month.
Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen finished a season of dominance with a record-extending 19th win, out of 22 races, in Abu Dhabi.
The Dutchman won the drivers' championship by 290 points from teammate Sergio Perez.
Australian Associated Press
