Alfa Romeo Racing has confirmed that it will retain Antonio Giovinazzi for a second season to compete in the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship.
Under the current arrangement between Sauber Motorsport, which runs Alfa Romeo Racing, and Ferrari the Italian marque has an influence in one of the seats at the team.
Long-term Ferrari test driver Giovinazzi replaced Charles Leclerc for 2019, linking up with Kimi Raikkonen, who re-joined the team with which he made his debut on a two-year deal.
“I am very happy to be staying with the team for 2020,” said Giovinazzi.
“I am grateful for the incredible level of support I received in my first full season in Formula One: everyone in the team has stuck by my side since I joined and I am really looking forward to continuing our journey together.
“We learned a lot this year and I am confident we can make a big step forward next season. I won’t be a rookie anymore so there won’t be any excuses for me: I want to be competitive right from the start of the championship and repay the confidence the team has shown in me.”
Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal of Alfa Romeo Racing and CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG added: “Antonio has done really well this year and I am extremely pleased to be able to confirm he will stay with Alfa Romeo Racing for 2020.
“The way he has integrated into the team and has consistently improved throughout his first full season in the sport are very promising and we cannot wait to unlock his full potential as we continue to work together. Antonio has emerged as a very quick driver, even alongside as tough a benchmark as Kimi, and we expect him to develop even further as his experience grows.
“His technical feedback, work ethics and positive approach will help us continue to push our team forward, and so will the consistency of an unchanged line-up for next season.”
Giovinazzi's retention is likely to mean that Nico Hulkenberg will not race in Formula 1 next season, with the German having recognised Alfa Romeo as his last opportunity to stay on the 2020 grid.
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