Former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi feels it is very important for his Formula 1 future that he is able to continue having ‘one foot in the paddock for next season’ with Scuderia Ferrari.
The Maranello team has announced that after the Italian driver’s exit Alfa Romeo at the end of the 2021 Formula One season, Antonio Giovinazzi will take on the role of reserve driver with the Scuderia for the next campaign.
The Italian driver will dovetail his programme in Formula E by serving as an understudy to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at 12 grands prix in 2022, with Haas driver Mick Schumacher fulfilling the same role at the other 11 events next year. Antonio Giovinazzi confirmed it would be “really important to keep one foot in this paddock next year”. Despite the fact that the Italian is committed to Formula E next season, he has made no secret of his desire to get back on the Formula 1 grid in 2023.
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“You have more power, for sure,” added Antonio Giovinazzi, who at the time of the interview in Abu Dhabi had already held talks with the Maranello team about his new role – “For me, it’s really important to keep with Ferrari. They have more power and if you want to come back, it’s easier. I’ve been part of that family since 2017. Quite a lot of time now, five years. They were the team I signed a contract with at the end of 2016 after coming out of GP2. They were the family that give me the chance to go to F1 with Alfa Romeo in 2019, so they’ve been important for me.” – he explained.
Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto confirmed that the Italian side will try to help him return to Formula 1 at the end of next championship: “Our hope is to be able to find a seat for Antonio (Giovinazzi) in the 2023 Formula 1 season. At the end of next season, the contracts of 11 drivers will expire and we think some opportunities may arise in this scenario.” – the Ferrari boss said.
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