Antonio Giovinazzi is keen to return to the Formula 1 grid next season, and he hopes his Friday practice outings for Haas offer him a route back.
The Italian lost his seat at Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021 after three seasons with the team, but he’s kept busy since then, driving for Dragon Penske Racing in Formula E while also serving as Ferrari‘s reserve driver.
With Ferrari keen to give the 28-year-old some time in 2022-spec F1 machinery, Giovinazzi completed the first of two FP1 outings arranged by his employers with customer team Haas on Friday.
The Italian is believed to be on Haas‘ shortlist to replace Mick Schumacher, and he admits he’s keen to return to the grid, though whether that’s possible is out of his hands.
“I don’t know, it’s not a question that you will ask me,” Giovinazzi told reporters.
“I want to be here next year, for sure. It’s not a secret, but it’s not in my hands.
“So, let’s see what we can do. For now I focus on doing a great job in these two sessions. One is over. Then we have another one.”
Giovinazzi not far off Magnussen
The 28-year-old finished with the 18th fastest time in FP1, three tenths slower than Kevin Magnussen in the other Haas.
Giovinazzi was pleased with his performance given it was his first time in the new generation of F1 cars, and is already looking ahead to his next outing at Austin.
“I felt good to be back in an F1 car with this new regulations as well, it was the first time for me with the tires as well,” Giovinazzi said.
“It was all new and I think it went well, also compared to Kevin, it was good. We could do a better job but I found some traffic on my best lap.
“A good start, and a thank you to Haas for this opportunity and Ferrari as well. Now I’m looking at Austin. It will be another track, a completely different approach without downforce. Let’s see what we can do there.”
