Antonio Giovinazzi has accepted that it was “not the right time” for him to move to Ferrari’s Formula 1 team, but believes his chance will still come in the future.
Giovinazzi has been affiliated with Ferrari since the end of 2016, after finishing runner-up in the GP2 Series, and he has officially been its nominated reserve driver throughout that period.
Giovinazzi, who has previously tested Ferrari’s Formula 1 machinery, has raced full-time for Alfa Romeo since 2019, replacing Charles Leclerc in the seat over which the marque has an influence.
Sebastian Vettel’s exit from Ferrari opened a vacancy for 2021 but it was swiftly filled by Carlos Sainz Jr., who signed a two-year deal, while Leclerc is contracted through 2024.
“I’m still part of that family and I was really happy to have at least maybe the possibility to take that seat,” Giovinazzi told Sky Sports F1.
“In my career I never had something easy, I always fight.
“And I think now was maybe not the right time after 23 grands prix. Last year I grew up really well during the year, but this year we haven’t raced so it’s really difficult for me.
“I’m still young so I’m sure if I continue like that and continue to fight, really work hard I can have that possibility.”
Giovinazzi added that the picture of his first full-year in Formula 1 was distorted by Alfa Romeo regressing through the season, in comparison to Leclerc’s 2018 campaign.
“I know that Charles also had one season and then went to Ferrari straight away, but from my side, if we’re looking back, we struggled also in the second part of the season with the car,” he reflected.
“So, also if I grew up like a driver, the result was not really there.”
“I’m sure that still working with Alfa Romeo, still we can do a great result together and this is my main target for now because it’s my team now.
“In the future we will see. I’m still a Ferrari driver so I’m sure I can maybe have the opportunity.”
