A week ago, Alfa Romeo confirmed that they will stay with Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi for the 2021 campaign. Team boss Frederic Vasseur has revealed, however, that the decision is not theirs alone. Ferrari was also involved in the decision.
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Vasseur said (translated by Google): “We have a good working relationship with Ferrari. Therefore, the driver issue is a shared decision. “
Alfa Romeo already signed a partnership with Scuderia Ferrari as an engine supplier in 2018, which will last until 2021.
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The two teams share a good relationship. This can be seen in the fact that Ferrari is more than happy to bring its next-generation up-and-coming talent into F1 via a seat at Alfa Romeo or Haas.
Giovinazzi is also part of the Ferrari driver program. In fact, he’s even listed as the Scuderia reserve driver for 2020. Kimi, a former Sauber and Ferrari man, is also more than welcome at Alfa Romeo.
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit. Imola, Italy – Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen, Frederic Vasseur and Antonio Giovinazzi during a press conference FIA / Handout via REUTERS
Vasseur continued: “Nothing is pressed on us. We have an open discussion with Ferrari and the drivers. The driver has to fit into the team and feel comfortable there. “
From today’s perspective, both Raikkonen and Giovinazzi seem to be enjoying their time with the Hinwil-based outfit.
While they may not be having the best times on the track, with only 8 points below the two, they definitely seem comfortable and the atmosphere seems pretty happy.
Regular followers of the team’s social media account can confirm this.
Vasseur talks about the continuation of Ferrari and the future
When asked whether they want to continue with Ferrari after the 2021 season, Vasseur said: “We are currently in talks.”
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari. Imola, Italy – Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action in the qualifying pool via REUTERS / Miguel Medina
Despite Scuderia’s 2020 acquisition of a lackluster engine, it looks like the professional relationship between the two teams has not been damaged.
However, Vasseur said he would prefer to fast-forward until 2022 when the next generation of aerodynamic regulations kicks in, which apparently offers a lot more parity between teams.
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“Everyone will (want) to set the switch to 2022 as early as possible. Nobody can afford to leave the new era far behind. Then you are done. “
Well, for now, Vasseur and his team have to focus on the remaining 4 races that round off the season. Alfa Romeo led Haas and Williams in the championship charts and they would love to end the season by staying ahead of their rivals and taking a few more points.
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The post Alfa Romeo 2021 driver line-up made “a joint decision” with Ferrari, says Vasseur first appeared on monter-une-startup.
