Giovinazzi still ‘pushing’ for a 2021 Alfa drive
Antonio Giovinazzi is not giving up on Formula 1 despite persistent rumours that Mick Schumacher will take his Alfa Romeo seat next season.
This year’s campaign is proving to be a difficult one for Alfa Romeo, not helped by Ferrari’s engine woes.
Giovinazzi and his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen have both only finished one race inside the top ten, leaving the team down in eighth place in the standings with four points.
But while it is thought to be only a matter of time before Raikkonen re-signs for next season, rumours about Giovinazzi’s future are not as kind.
The 26-year-old is believed to be just months away from losing his race seat to Formula 2 championship leader Mick Schumacher.
The German, backed by Ferrari, as is Giovinazzi, is expected to be promoted next year, partnering Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo.
Despite the persistent rumours, Giovinazzi believe he still has time to save his seat.
“I’m happy with what I did so far,” he told the official F1 website.
“Still no news from my side, [I] just need to keep pushing hard and see what happens.
“There is still half a season, still another eight races, so we need to see but of course I’m trying to do my best and [we will] see what will happen.”
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Although the Italian hasn’t scored since the opening race of this season, P9 at the Austrian Grand Prix, he said early last month that he feels his talent is still throw despite the lack of results.
Speaking ahead of the Italian GP, he said: “I think first of all when I came to Formula 1 I didn’t have any big names behind me or any big sponsor behind me.
“I’m here just because of results and talent. I know that Formula 1 is critical, you need to be always in a good shape every race weekend.
“I know also that many times one week you can be a bad driver and then the next week just after a few days you can be a hero.
“From my side I know that if I continue like I’m doing, to be fast and to try to score the points for the team nobody can take my seat for next year.
“We [will] see what happens but I’m quite sure from what I need to do: be fast and be consistent.”
Should Giovinazzi lose his Alfa Romeo seat, it is looking like his only option to remain in Formula 1 would be as a test driver with either his current team or Ferrari.
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