Maini showed he is "one of the fastest" in GP3

The Indian started his 2016 season staying in F3 albeit switching to T-Sport, where he managed only three points in the first four rounds he competed in.

The lack of results promoted Maini to move over to GP3 with Jenzer, where he finished 10th scoring 54 points which included a maiden podium in Hungary - despite having missed the first two rounds.

"I think overall it’s been not too bad, I improved as a driver, I have improved out of the car [as well]," he told Motorsport.com when asked on his up and down season.

"There has been some tough times at the beginning of the season and now the end [last round in Abu Dhabi] has not been ideal.

"But I have managed to prove that I am one of the fastest, so I am happy with this, [and] I am looking forward to the championship charge next year."

Need more race aggression

Despite the fruitful results since moving to GP3, the 18-year-old believes he has still to improve upon his race craft, in order to challenge for the title.

"I think in the races, I am a bit cautious let’s say, I think we can improve on the race aggression and then we should be good [hopefully]."

Adding further to where he was able to improve throughout the season, he said: "I think my patience improved a lot, [especially] with T-Sport at the start of the year, they were working really hard.

"And I think I have improved most on my work ethic, it’s been really good. To keep calm when things are tough because you know at the end of the storm, it’s sunshine."

Staying in GP3

When asked on his future programme, the Bangalore-based driver was quick to respond that he will stay in GP3 in 2017.

Having raced with Jenzer, the Indian is testing with championship-winning squad ART and title contender Trident in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Pressed further, Maini said the decision will only be made once the testing is complete, but hasn't ruled out staying back with the Swiss team.

"I think there’s a really high chance that I end up in Jenzer again, we have a really strong car in the races," he said.

"I would like to thank them [Jenzer] because I think they have done a brilliant job whole season and we have shown [that even] with the small team we can compete with the big boys out there.

"[That too] without any testing [pre-season], it shows how strong the car is and how good the level of engineers and mechanics are.

"Again also shows the equality in GP3, and how you can compete with any car on the grid, so this is a good start."

Additional reporting by Erwin Jaeggi