Antonio Giovinazzi is currently in his third and final season with the Alfa Romeo / Sauber team. His departure from the team wasn’t the most decorated. The Swiss team has announced that Guanyu Zhou will replace the Italian in his seat in 2022. Needless to say, he is critical of this move as he has no choice but to retire from F1 for the next season. In the midst of the dramatic departure, he talked about his time at Sauber and his relationship with teammate Kimi Raikkonen.
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Raikkonen is one of the most popular drivers on the grid and Giovinazzi comments just reinforce that feeling. Raikkonen is withdrawing from Formula 1 at the end of this season after a championship and 21 Grand Prix victories. The Finn is loved for his human qualities, direct approach and heroics on the track. Giovinazzi found a loyal companion and a legend in Kimi who brought the art of racing into full swing.
Formula 1 F1 – Qatar Grand Prix – Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar – November 19, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen during practice REUTERS / Hamad I Mohammed
Kimi Raikkonen was a point of reference for Giovinazzi as he grew up in Formula 1
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Antonio Giovinazzi had all the praise for the “Iceman”. The 27-year-old has been Raikkonen’s team-mate for the last three seasons, the current one is his best for the team. He values the Finn for his generosity and his driving skills. “He was a loyal one Companion, because in Formula 1, as elsewhere, it is difficult to find loyal people. For me he was definitely a useful person in my career who helped me a lot as a reference for growing up, ”said the Italian as reported by Formulapassion.
Antonio Giovinazzi said he did not understand how to leave Formula 1.
: “Forget the points. I was ahead of Kimi Raikkonen for most of the season.
Distribution of season points 2021:
Giovinazzi – 1 puan
Raikkonen – 10 Puan pic.twitter.com/h80dx8sJtR
– F1 news (@ F1Haberler) November 28, 2021
“He’s definitely not a person who talks a lot, but when I asked him something, he always helped me and never led me in the opposite direction. I have to be objective, he was very generous, ”he added.
Giovinazzi disappointed with Sauber’s prospects
The Swiss team driver is supposed to leave the team at the end of the season and is devastated. He believes there was “nothing more” he could have done to keep his place on the team. In the meantime, Formula 1 wants to expand its market in China and Guanyu Zhou could serve that purpose for the Alfa Romeo team.
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“Because we were unlucky, but because of the qualifying or even the race results, we were mostly always ahead of the world champion Kimi Raikkonen. Still, it’s a good reference. I’m just sorry. But these situations happen, and it isn’t the first incident that a new driver arrives. Uh yes, money rules. “
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He will compete in the upcoming fully electric Formula E championship. The Italian will certainly try to return to Formula 1 in the future.
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