Giovinazzi: "I want to have my opportunity"

Antonio Giovinazzi says he wants to prove he belongs in Formula One and is keen on a race seat for 2019. Having tested this season for both Sauber and Ferrari, the Italian driver believes he is more than his current role suggests and is ready to take on a full-time role at a team next season.

Speaking to Autosport, Giovinazzi reassured himself that he was ready for a full-time drive in Formula One and that his experiences testing and on the simulator were just a preview of what he would be capable of if he were given the chance.

“I’m not a simulator driver – I want to be in the car. It’s my target for next year.

“I want to have my opportunity and see if I’m ready. I want to show I’m here because I’m a good driver and not (just) a simulator driver.

“I’m already a really lucky guy. I’m already third driver in Scuderia Ferrari, where for many drivers it is maybe a dream. For me, when I signed for Ferrari it was a dream come true.

“Of course to not be on the track is really hard, but I wait one year, I’m waiting now. But like I say, I want just my opportunity and show I’m here because I’m a good driver.”

Giovinazzi has already taken part in two grand prix weekends for Sauber back in 2017, replacing Pascal Wehrlein who was recovering from a neck injury. His performances were underwhelming, spinning and crashing during the Chinese Grand Prix the lowlight of those appearances. Since then though, he has performed to a high standard during tests and believes that his experience puts him in a good position for a race seat next season.

“I’m really happy with the team, they are working really well at Sauber. Why not? But we need to wait. Now our focus is to have a good feeling with the car and try to know all the people in the team – the mechanics, engineers. And then if it will happen I will be already ready with all the team.

“It depends on the moves of the other drivers. (There are) a lot of rumours (about whether) many drivers will change teams or leave.  We need to wait. For sure the target is to be on the grid. I hope I can be on the grid next year.”