General
This driver did not test for Ferrari last week, but is not afraid of his spot
- GPblog.com
Antonio Giovinazzi has been a Ferrari junior for several years now. Carlos Sainz was named as the replacement for the departed Sebastian Vettel for 2021 and the Italian also failed to make an appearance during the five-day test week at Fiorano last week.
Marcus Armstrong, Robert Shwartzman, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Mick Schumacher, Callum Ilott and the now-departed Giuliano Alesi were given the chance. Why Giovinazzi didn't come into action and Schumacher did (who also has a permanent seat in Formula 1) is unclear.
What is clear is that there are many Ferrari juniors and that the competition is tough for Giovinazzi. The 27-year old driver is under contract with Alfa Romeo until the end of next season. He owes this place to the fact that Ferrari has good relations with the team of Frederic Vasseur. However, Giovinazzi is not worried about losing his spot to another Ferrari junior any time soon.
Giovinazzi not worried about Ferrari now
“I’m focused on myself, this is what we always do and I try to improve myself and then we will see what will happen. To focus on other drivers is not something that will make myself better, so I just focus on myself. It’s the dream [to drive for Ferrari] but of course, I know that Carlos will be there for a few years, and as well Charles. I'm part of that family as well and it’s great to feel the support from Ferrari. Now I’m racing for Alfa Romeo and I want to do the best job here so far. I’m sure that I’m doing a good job here and then we will see what the future will bring," he told Crash.net.
Giovinazzi has not made an indisputable impression in recent years so in 2021 he will have to do better. Drivers like Ilott and Shwartzman, who finished second and fourth respectively in Formula 1 last year, are also aiming for a seat in the premier class of motorsport.