Antonio Giovinazzi believes his 2020 form so far is good enough to warrant a third Formula 1 season with Alfa Romeo as questions about his future are asked ahead of the Italian Grand Prix this weekend in Monza.
Giovinazzi has scored Alfa Romeo’s only points this season and, after the first seven races, outscored the 2007 world champion’s team-mate with four to three points.
With a slew of Ferrari juniors in Formula 2 – Robert Shwartzman, Callum Ilott and Mick Schumacher all battling for the title – Giovinazzi’s future is in doubt.
When asked about his future at the press conference in Monza on Thursday, he said: “I think I got into Formula 1 first and foremost because I don’t have any big names or a big sponsor behind me. I’m only here for the result and the talent. I know that Formula 1 is crucial, you always have to be in good shape every race weekend and I also know that one week you can often be a bad driver and the next week after a few days you can be a hero.
“For my part, I know that if I keep going as I do, being quick and trying to score the points for the team, no one can take my place for the next year. We’ll see what happens, but I’m pretty sure what to do: be quick and consistent. “
The 26-year-old crashed dramatically at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend and George Russell’s Williams couldn’t avoid the rubble.
On the subject of matching items
It was subsequently revealed that Alfa Romeo Raikkonen, who had run behind Giovinazzi, said to “put more pressure on him” before it played out.
Giovinazzi downplayed the influence of the team’s radio messages.
“In the end, I think racers always have to push and that’s exactly what I did on this lap, added Giovinazzi. “I knew Sebastian was very close to him and I tried to be in his DRS zone. That was my goal. Unfortunately it’s too late to see what’s going on and everything on my side.
“I tried to push like I always did, unfortunately it went wrong and now I want to do well at Monza and forget about fun.”
