Charles Leclerc already looking ahead to next F1 season after 'crazy' debut year at Ferrari

Ferrari driver claimed two race wins and a grid-high seven pole positions in 2019

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix awards ceremony 2019: (L-R) Max Verstappen, (Red Bull), winner Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and third-placed Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Victor Besa / The National

Daniil Kvyat driving the Scuderia Toro Rosso during the big race. Getty

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Chairman Emeritus of the Formula One Group, on the grid before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Getty

Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving his Ferrari. Getty

Lance Stroll of Racing Point and Daniel Ricciardo of Renault walk to the drivers' parade before the Abu Dhabi race at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

The amazing fly by over the grid before the Grand Prix started. Getty

They're off! Lewis Hamilton takes the lead at the start of the big race. Victor Besa / The National

Turn two at the start of the final race of the season. Victor Besa / The National

Race fans in the Main Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Awards Ceremony. Fireworks after the race. Victor Besa / The National

Fans at the awards ceremony. Victor Besa / The National

F1 fans at the awards ceremony. Victor Besa / The National

Lewis Hamilton performs a burnout victory spin after the Grand Prix at Yas. Victor Besa / The National

Pierre Gasly of Scuderia Toro Rosso at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari talks with Princess Charlene of Monaco on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix. Getty

Race winner Lewis Hamilton celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing prepares for the big race. Getty

Alexander Albon of Thailand and Red Bull Racing signs autographs for fans before the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Gett

Pierre Gasly of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso greets fans before final practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Fans take a selfie with the cars ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reuters

The final race of the Formula 1 season goes off with a bang. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (2nd L) and HE Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Executive Chairman of INVESTCORP and Chairman of National Bank of Oman (3rd L), at vrace day. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing prepares for the race. Getty

Daniel Ricciardo of Renault leads Kevin Magnussen of Haas at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Lewis Hamilton gets ready for the off at Yas. Getty

The sun sets on the 11th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Charles Leclerc has said his debut season at Ferrari has been one big learning curve as the Formula One driver looks "forward to the future" after completing his year at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

After impressing at Sauber in 2018, Leclerc was entrusted with a seat in F1's most prestigious team and the 22-year-old Monaco native proved he was up to the task, finishing fourth in the drivers' standings, 24 points above teammate Sebastian Vettel.

After two race wins, in Belgium and Italy, and a grid-high seven pole positions, Leclerc ended his season with a third-place finish in Abu Dhabi.

"As a driver, you always want more so I was not very satisfied with the way everything was going but with the second half, I am very happy," Leclerc said in an interview with CNN Sport. "I did not expect to have, at the end of my first season, seven poles and two wins. This is crazy. I did not expect it."

While there have been plenty of positive moments, Leclerc admitted there have been "some lows", none more so than the collision with Vettel in Brazil that ended both of their races.

"I’ve improved a lot as a driver and especially in the lows I’ve learned a lot," he said. "Now I’m really looking forward to the future, to getting even better."

Leclerc insisted that the air has been cleared with Vettel and both drivers are focused on delivering success for Ferrari.

"We need to work together for the team," he said. "Both of us understand that and that's why we are also getting on well outside of the car."

With the 2019 season now completed, Leclerc has already turned his attention to next year and is aiming to build on his achievements.

“You just look forward to the next challenge," he said. "Yes, it’s been a great year but I just can’t wait for next year, to try and put everything together and be even further up in the standing.”