Alfa Romeo axed Antonio Giovinazzi at the end of the 2021 season to accommodate Guanyu Zhou. The Italian race driver, who had been given two years with the Sauber-backed team, was antagonized by his firing.
He even claimed that his exit resulted from money ruling the sport. He indirectly took a dig at the reported backing of Zhou, which propelled the Swiss team to sign him for the 2022 season.
But with the Chinese race driver performing well in 2022 and signing a contract extension. Plus, Sauber gaining more autonomy against Ferrari, Giovinazzi’s return to the same team is unlikely.
The other Ferrari customer team is Haas, which decided to have Nico Hulkenberg while replacing Mick Schumacher. So, Giovinazzi’s return seems unlikely, but he still has a ray of hope.
Also read: Former F1 World Champion once invited supremo Bernie Ecclestone to his own honeymoon
Antonio Giovinazzi gets a chance from Ferrari
After leaving F1, Giovinazzi plied his trade in Formula E. His stint there was a little help for him. He was the only driver who didn’t score points throughout the season.
Now, he is confirmed to be competing for Ferrari in the World Endurance championship. The Italian team is returning to Endurance racing in the centenary year of Le Mans 24.
Ferrari also revealed their car that will contend for the Endurance racing in 2023. They have named it Ferrari 499P, and it will start its campaign from 1000 Miles of Sebring in March.
Why should he make the most out of it?
The recent debacle of Giovinazzi in Formula E doesn’t reflect well on his attempt to get back in F1. Especially when he openly claimed money won over talent when he was removed from his seat in F1.
Now, in WEC, he has a golden chance to impress the bosses at Ferrari and give him a push once again. If, in the centenary year of Le Mans, Ferrari gets a win through Giovinazzi, it would be a prestigious achievement, and he could be considered by Ferrari ahead if they need to push someone ahead.
Right now, Giovinazzi has done nothing to reclaim a spot in F1. This could be his chance. Whether he’ll manage to nail it or not remains to be seen.
Also read: Jenson Button was ordered to leave because future two-time world champion was getting for his seat
