Prominent Italian Motorsport Figure Calls for Government Backing to Keep Antonio Giovinazzi in F1

The week leading up to the Italian Grand Prix witnessed frantic movement in the driver’s market. With six seats for 2022 announced during the week, most of the grid looks set. However, Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi remains in doubt for next season.

While the Italian put in good performances in the last few races, his biggest threat at the moment is Alpine junior Guanyu Zhou. Along with a good track record in Formula Two, the Chinese driver also comes with huge financial backing.

Recently, the president of the Automobile Club d’Italia, Angelo Sticchi Damiani called for more support towards the 27-year-old.

Damiani calls on the Italian government to back Antonio Giovinazzi

A graduate of the Ferrari driver academy, Giovinazzi showed promise since joining Alfa Romeo in 2019. Although he featured little in the points, the Martina Franca-born driver turned in fairly consistent results for the team.

In fact, his recent qualifying performances in Zandvoort and Monza spoke volumes of his talent. However, he couldn’t convert those competitive starting positions into points finishes, which could hurt his chances to be retained for next year.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Zhou’s sponsors would pay 30million euros to confirm his seat for next year. Given that Giovinazzi might not be able to match that proposition, Damiani believes the Italian government could help the 27-year-old in this regard.

He said, “Antonio is really good. We haven’t been able to give him a chance to show how good he is. I expect there will also be a push from the government in this sense, because governments move from other parts, very heavy suitcases arrive.” (Quotes translated from Google)

READ MORE: “Thank Him for Life” – Giovinazzi Reveals Legend Responsible for Bringing Him to Ferrari F1

Damiani: He should get the opportunity

While calling for support, Damiani also mentioned they have the duty of ensuring Giovinazzi gets an opportunity to shine.

“It is no longer like once that the best one goes on,” he said. “The best one goes on, but also the richest ones go on. We have this duty: we have a good rider and we must defend him and give him the opportunity to excel.”

With eight races left, time is running out for Giovinazzi to showcase his true worth to Alfa Romeo. Can the Italian continue his fine run of form and bring more points for his team?

WATCH STORY: From Cristiano Ronaldo to Shaquille O’Neal: When Other Athletes Mingled With F1 Stars