Kimi Raikkonen is the Best Teammate I Could Have Had in F1: Antonio Giovinazzi

Antonio Giovinazzi believes Kimi Raikkonen was immensely helpful in his first full Formula one season. the Italian had words of praise for Raikkonen, who returned to the team after 18 years.

Antonio Giovinazzi on Kimi Raikkonen

Speaking to Sky sports Italy, Giovinazzi said: “Kimi was the best teammate I could have had in my first year in Formula One because he is not a political person and he helps you a lot-being a world champion with so much experience”

“I always went to him, because he is not the type of person who comes to you, he is not the type of person who talks a lot, but each time I went to him and I asked him something, he always answered me, he was very helpful”

2019 saw the full-time return of Antonio Giovanizzi-who had driven a few races for Sauber in 2017. Giovinazzi started the season slowly but went on to outqualify Raikkonen on several occasions. The team’s best result came at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with Raikkonen and Giovinazzi finishing 4th and 5th respectively.

Alfa Romeo aiming for a better season

2019 also saw Kimi Raikkonen return to Alfa Romeo after 18 years. The iceman had debuted for the team back in 2001 – when it was called Sauber. The team finished 8th in the points following a mixed campaign.

Alfa has a unique driver pairing in Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi. In 2020, the Finn will surpass Rubens Barrichello’s record of 322 races to become F1’s most experienced driver. The iceman’s immense experience in the sport will be very useful in developing the car. Alfa Romeo will greatly benefit from Kimi’s expertise and Giovinazzi’s performances throughout the year.

Giovinazzi claimed Raikkonen helped him in what was a difficult early part of the season for the Italian. Giovinazzi struggled initially but found his footing after the summer break. The Italian finished an impressive 9th at his home Grand Prix.

“Therefore, I have to give Kimi a big thank you, because with his help I improved a lot this season and I am very happy to be able to continue with Alfa Romeo alongside him for the next season,” said Giovinazzi.

Raikkonen’s no-nonsense, straight-talking style has earned him a cult-like following in F1. Even fellow drivers look up to the Finn-who is widely respected in the motorsport community.

Alfa Romeo will reveal their 2020 f1 car on the first day of pre-season testing. F1 testing will begin on February 19, 2020.