Antonio Giovinazzi is currently in his third and last season with the Alfa Romeo/Sauber team. His exit from the team was not the most decorated one. The Swiss team has announced Guanyu Zhou for 2022 replacing the Italian in his seat. Needless to say, he is critical of this move as he has no option but to sit back out of F1 for next season. Amidst the dramatic exit, he opened up about his time in Sauber and his relationship with teammate Kimi Raikkonen.
Raikkonen is one of the most loved drivers on the grid and Giovinazzi’s comments simply add to that feeling. Raikkonen is retiring from Formula1 at the end of this season after a Championship and 21 Grand Prix wins under his belt. The Finn is loved for his human qualities, straightforward approach, and on-track heroics. Giovinazzi found a loyal companion in Kimi and a legend who aced the art of racing.
Kimi Raikkonen was a reference point for Giovinazzi while growing in F1
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Antonio Giovinazzi had all the praises for the “Iceman.” The 27-year old has been Raikkonen’s teammate for the last three seasons, with the current being his best one for the team. He holds the Finn in high regard for his generosity and sheer driving skills. “ He was a loyal companion, because in F1 as elsewhere it is difficult to find loyal people. For me he was definitely a useful person in my career, who helped me a lot, as a reference for growing up.” said the Italian as reported by Formulapassion.
🇮🇹 Antonio Giovinazzi F1'den ayrılmasını anlamadığını söyledi.
🎙️: "Puanları unutalım. Neredeyse tüm sezon Kimi Raikkonen'in önündeydim.
🚀 2021 sezonu puan dağılımı:
Giovinazzi – 1 puan
Raikkonen – 10 puan pic.twitter.com/h80dx8sJtR— F1 Haberler (@F1Haberler) November 28, 2021
“Surely he is not a person who talks a lot, but when I asked him something he always helped me and never led me in the opposite direction. I have to be objective, he was very generous,” he added.
Giovinazzi disappointed with Sauber’s outlook
The Swiss team driver is asked to leave the team at the end of this season and he is devastated by the reasons behind it. He believes he could have done “nothing more” to keep his seat in the team. Meanwhile, F1 is looking to expand its market in China and Guanyu Zhou could serve that purpose for the Alfa Romeo team.
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“Because we were unfortunate, but on the basis of qualifying, or even race results, we were mostly always ahead of Kimi Raikkonen who is a world champion. Nevertheless, it is a good reference. I’m only grieved for that. But these situations happen, and it’s not the first incident that a new driver arrives. Eh yes, money rules.”
“I’ll have a new adventure in FE” Antonio Giovinazzi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FyzZAGWDT7
— Megs⁹⁹ – #Graziegio 🇮🇹 (@MegsLou99) November 27, 2021
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He is going to race in the upcoming all-electric Formula E championship. The Italian driver will surely look to make a return to Formula 1 in the future.
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