Antonio Giovinazzi believes his absence from Formula 1 will only be temporary as he and Ferrari eye “opportunities” in 2023.
The Italian was weaned by Alfa Romeo late last year after three seasons and is preparing to race in Formula E with Dragon Penske Autosport, with the opening round in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
Despite having a less than spectacular stint on the F1 grid, Giovinazzi is confident he will return in the future.
“I’m going for now,” he told Formula1.com. “I posted my first picture in an F1 car when I was three years old on my social media. the last Picture [in F1] is not this year [2021].
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“We’ve already seen a lot of riders quit for a year and come back, like Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon.
“On my side, I had two years as a reserve driver for Ferrari in 2017 and 2018 and finally got my chance in 2019.
“You never know what will happen in Formula 1. Right now I would like to say thank you to all the people who have supported me over the past three years, to all the fans who have supported me after the news and to all the drivers in here at F1 who have texted me. It’s been a great three years.”
Alongside his Formula E drive, Giovinazzi will “keep one foot in the F1 paddock” as he remains a reserve driver for Ferrari.
And team boss Mattia Binotto is just as optimistic that the 28-year-old will get another chance.
“With Antonio there can undoubtedly be more opportunities for him in 2023,” he said.
“As for the seats, I think there are 11 that will be vacant in 2023. I’m not saying all of them will be vacant at the end of the season.
“But if I look at the contract drivers today, 11 contracts expire at the end of 2022, including Carlos [Sainz], but this is the situation.
“That means as a driver if you get a chance in 2023 there are a few possible.
“That’s why it’s important for him to continue to be part of our F1 program as a reserve driver, meaning activities on the simulator and staying up to date with the 2022 cars.”
