Antonio Giovinazzi has warned that “nobody can take” his Alfa Romeo seat for 2021 based on his current form.
The Italian driver had a brief taste of Formula 1 back in 2017 when he drove two races for Sauber, but it was in 2019 when he landed his first full-time Formula 1 seat with the same outfit, by that point known as Alfa Romeo.
His first year with the team was a slow burner but he found form as the year went on and Alfa retained him for the 2020 season.
This year hasn’t been smooth sailing, thanks mainly to the poor Alfa Romeo C39, but Giovinazzi has scored two World Championship points, whilst his veteran team-mate Kimi Raikkonen is still on zero.
Get your hands on the official Alfa Romeo 2020 collection via the Formula 1 shop
Giovinazzi’s cause wasn’t helped though by a second big crash in as many years at the Belgian Grand Prix.
But, Giovinazzi made it clear that he made it into Formula 1 based on talent, not because of sponsorship money, and on his current form “nobody” can displace him from Alfa Romeo.
The likes of Mick Schumacher, Robert Shwartzman and Nico Hulkenberg have all been linked with a move to the team.
Mick Schumacher to Alfa Romeo to partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2021? Ralf Schumacher can see it happening…
"Everyone knows about the close co-operation between Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, it would make sense to place a newcomer there" #F1 pic.twitter.com/Hf7px2Need
— Planet F1 (@Planet_F1) September 1, 2020
“I think first of all when I came to Formula 1 I didn’t have any big names behind me or any big sponsor behind me,” he said ahead of his home race, the Italian Grand Prix.
“I’m here just because of results and talent. I know that Formula 1 is critical, you need to be always in a good shape every race weekend.
“I know also that many times one week you can be a bad driver and then the next week just after a few days you can be a hero.
“From my side I know that if I continue like I’m doing, to be fast and to try to score the points for the team nobody can take my seat for next year.
“We [will] see what happens but I’m quite sure from what I need to do: be fast and be consistent.”
Giovinazzi will actually have three home races in 2020 where he will hope to prove just what he is capable.
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is Formula 1’s first stop in the country. Next weekend Mugello will host the Tuscan Grand Prix before the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola hosts the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on November 1.
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