Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin has called for drivers to become better role models next year, after an ugly off-track campaign concluded on Sunday.
McLaughlin has been fiercely sledged by competitors and rival fans this season, while winning 18 of 32 races to clinch his second straight championship.
Holden trio Scott Pye, Nick Percat and David Reynolds have all questioned the legitimacy of McLaughin's 2019 crown, after he was sanctioned for using an illegal engine at Bathurst.
McLaughlin has been criticised for his car having a perceived aerodynamic advantage and Pye even compared the Kiwi to disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.
The DJR Team Penske star admitted the sledging had been hardest on his family.
"They probably feel the pain more than I do and that's not on," McLaughlin said. "I felt like we did an excellent job and I felt like I drove the best I ever have, but sometimes you can't win with people.
"Unfortunately, that's how it is in this sport and you get used to it. I hope next year all of us can come into it with a better perspective, I feel like we can be better role models.
"Banter is great and we all do it, but I hope we can come back and have an idea of being a professional, not only for our sport, but for other sport and athletes around the world.
"I think we can lead by example."
McLaughlin's teammate, Fabian Coulthard, said the comments since Bathurst had taken their toll.
"It makes you stronger, that's for sure," Coulthard said. "We're in control of everything we do in the race car and everything that happens externally, we have no control over.
"You've got to ride the wave, and remember those people that are commenting come here and watch us race cars for a living, so I think we're in the better position."
AAP
