Ferrari Take a Thinly-Veiled Dig at Alfa Romeo F1 After They ‘Ruin’ Antonio Giovinazzi’s Race at Mexico

In the chaos of the race, many may have forgotten about Antonio Giovinazzi. The Italian started the Mexican GP in 14th and had made an impressive jump to 6th in the first lap of the race. However, he finished the race in 11th. Between what could have been a point’s finish to an angry-out lap radio for Alfa Romeo, there is a lot to unpack.

With his seat with the team still unconfirmed, strategy errors during the race added to his frustrations. During his out-lap, the driver deadpanned: “hey guys, thanks for the great strategy.” Alfa Romeo had no response.

It didn’t end there as Gio took to Instagram to vent his frustrations as well. “Sometimes it’s simple to look at the bright side, sometimes it’s hard. Today it’s impossible.”

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The pit stop strategy was completely off the mark, which ruined Giovinazzi’s initial hopes to finish in the points. It would have been an incredible feat for the team; especially when their contemporaries like Alpine and Aston Martin brought home points.

What went wrong at Alfa Romeo?

After having caught up to a position in the points, Antonio was sure of a strong finish. However, then it was time to box. The team called their driver in and after the stop, Giovinazzi exited the pit lane behind Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas; the drivers who were fighting for position towards the end of the grid.

The Alfa Romeo was the slower car, and the timing of the stop cost Antonio the gap. As a result, Gio blames the team for butchering his race. “It was a completely wrong strategy. Until today, I didn’t believe the team could do anything to ruin me, but now I’m disappointed.”

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto did little to console the driver. “Ferrari is sorry when Giovinazzi isn’t put in the right conditions, sorry that he risks not having a seat next year.”

Currently, the outfit is the second last team on the board with only 11 points. It has been a bleak season for the team, but with Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel next season, things are sure to improve. Hopefully, Antonio Giovinazzi will be a part of the upward trajectory.

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