Alfa Romeo keeps Raikkonen and Giovinazzi for the 2021 F1 season

The two were expected to stay with the Swiss team, as previously reported by Autosport, although other names were mentioned in connection with the seats.

Sergio Perez was once in the frame after being dropped by Racing Point and the Mexican had obvious pull given the commercial package that came with him. Perez’s options now appear to be Williams and Red Bull Racing.

Mick Schumacher, whose Friday test drive for the Swiss team at the Nürburgring was rainy, also seemed to have a chance to land the Ferrari-owned seat, which is currently occupied by Giovinazzi.

However, sources suggest that the FP1 session was never meant to be a forerunner to an Alfa racing seat, and the German will now switch to Haas, Ferrari’s other customer team.

Raikkonen, who turned 41 this month, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his rookie F1 season next year.

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He has made it clear for a while that it was his decision to keep going and his first lap at the Portuguese Grand Prix last weekend showed that he is still fully motivated.

“For me, Alfa Romeo Racing is more than a team, it’s like a second family,” said Raikkonen.

“So many of the faces that surrounded me when I made my F1 debut in 2001 are still here and the unique atmosphere of this team gives me the extra motivation to continue my next 19th season in this sport.” Year.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in the team’s project and what we believe we can achieve together.

“This is a team that values ​​hard work through words and that fits my style well: I’m looking forward to next year and I hope to take some steps forward towards midfield with the team.”

Giovinazzi had mixed luck this year, but scored points at the Austrian and Eifel GPs and has done enough to get the support of Ferrari, despite the fact that the Maranello brand’s academy drivers are strong.

“Alfa Romeo Racing has been my home in F1 for the past two seasons,” said the Italian.

“And I’m happy that this relationship can last for another year.

“The team has placed a lot of trust in me and I’ve done my best to repay that trust with hard work and dedication.

“We’ve had some good results and I feel like I’ve done my part in moving the team forward, but there is still a long way to go and there is a lot more we can do together.

“There will be a lot of continuity between this season and next so whatever we work on until the end of the year will count for the next one and we are ready to give everything we have.”

Team boss Fred Vasseur made it clear that the two drivers form a strong partnership.

“I’m delighted that the team will work with Kimi and Antonio for another season,” said the Frenchman.

“Kimi is a driver who doesn’t need any introduction. His talent has been clear to everyone since 2001 and I still see the passion and motivation in him when I see him at work.

“He can be rest assured that he is delivering 100% of what the car can produce and he is a true leader for the people who work around him.

“Antonio finished last year’s campaign strong and picked up where he left off and continued to improve over the course of 2020.

“From the track to the technical briefings, Antonio played a crucial role for our team and absolutely deserved a new contract for 2021.

“His work ethic, dedication to the team and infectious enthusiasm are great assets to Alfa Romeo Racing.”