Giovinazzi will keep Alfa Romeo Formula 1 seats for 2020

Giovinazzi had a difficult start to the year but the Italian’s form improved by mid-year – coupled with Ferrari’s high rating for his past development role for the team – helped secure his future.

The best result of his rookie season so far was his ninth place in Monza, although he was eighth in Germany before receiving a penalty for a technical violation.

“Antonio did really well this year and I’m very happy to confirm that he will stay with Alfa Romeo Racing in 2020,” said team principal Fred Vasseur.

“The way he has integrated into the team and continued to improve in his first full season in the sport is very promising and we can’t wait to reach his full potential as we continue this journey together.

“Antonio has developed to be a very fast driver, even against a benchmark as tough as Kimi, and we expect him to develop even further as experience increases.

“His technical feedback, work ethic and positive approach will help us move our team forward.”

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Michael Manley added: “After Antonio’s contract extension with the team, we expect to make progress, both technically and on the track, and contribute to Alfa Romeo’s long and glorious history in Formula One.”

The confirmation of Giovinazzi at Alfa also seems to have ruined Nico Hulkenberg’s chances of staying in Formula 1 next year, as the German has already excluded himself from the Williams seat, which is expected to go to Formula 2 front runner Nicholas Latifi will go.

Hülkenberg has been associated with a move to the DTM.