F1 | Part 1 of MotorLAT's exclusive interview with Antonio Giovinazzi: to partner Bottas next year, I have to “be fast and take some points home: that’s my only weapon”
In the first part of MotorLAT ‘s interview with him, Antonio Giovinazzi talked about his expectations from the future and what he thinks he could aim at in Sochi
Ahead of the Russian GP, MotorLAT had a long talk in an exclusive with Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi. In the first part, we are discussing his future and his expectations for the weekend ahead.
Asked what kind of performance he expects from this weekend, he said that the weather will play an important role as this track is completely different from the last two they raced on.
“Certainly, this circuit is completely different from the last two I raced on – the Italian told us – It is a circuit different from Zandvoort and from Monza. I expect something new, considering the weather conditions as well. Tomorrow it’s sunny, Saturday is going to be rainy and the Sunday the forecast gives us 50% of possibility to rain so let’s wait and see. Surely, I expect some very good results, looking back at the ones I delivered in the last two Qualy, we want to confirm our improvement.”
Giovinazzi was able to set his car in the Q3 in the last events, both in Zandvoort and Monza, which are two tracks that are very different from one another, but he has been very unlucky, as he was caught up in the first lap in both events. It should be quite frustrating.
“I’m used to it, - he jokes - When you succeed in placing your car in Q3, you have the chance to start among the first ten on the grid on Sunday. Getting in the point zone is the minimum we aim at, and going home without any points in both Monza and Zandvoort hasn’t been nice. I hope to get luckier this time so we can confirm and make more concrete the results we reach in Qualifying.”
Talking about the need to carry out the results, MotorLAT asked what does he think he needs to do to convince the team to partner Valtteri Bottas in 2022.
“The only thing I can do is to keep on doing what I’m doing. I have to try to be fast and take some points home, that’s my only weapon. For the rest, it’s not up to me so I’ll have to do my part and hope it will be enough to be confirmed for the next year.”
He is also in contact with Ferrari, recently Mattia Binotto stated that Antonio is their third driver, so we asked if he hopes to be in the Prancing Horse in the future.
“That’s the goal, a dream. As an Italian driver, Ferrari is the ultimate goal. As I child, as I started to watch Formula 1, I looked at Ferrari. I don’t want to look at the past or the future, though. I prefer staying in the present and give it all here in Alfa”.
If he did lose his seat, in which other categories would Giovinazzi would love to compete in 2022 and/or beyond? We asked him if Endurance racing or IndyCar would seem appealing to him.
“Honestly, at the moment, I don’t want to think about it. It’s not because I don’t like them but now I’m focused on Formula 1. It’s here I want to stay. If the moment might arrive, I’ll look for other options and consider them.”
The last topic we’re about to discuss in this first part – tomorrow you will read the second one, of course – is his link to Alfa Romeo, as it might feel very special, as an Italian driver, to represent his country driving for an Italian brand that is so well-known.
He’s back! 😍 #RussianGP pic.twitter.com/qdtJBx9Hm4
— Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN (@alfaromeoracing) September 23, 2021
“It certainly is. I will always keep thanking Alfa Romeo for giving me this opportunity and drive for them. They are a very important brand, with an awesome history as their bargain. Let’s keep in mind that Alfa Romeo has been the first brand to win in Formula 1! More than a responsibility, driving for them is a pride. I feel proud."
