Giovinazzi convinced Raikkonen is "best teammate to start F1 career"

Ferrari test driver and soon-to-be Sauber rookie Antonio Giovinazzi is pleased with his teammate next season Kimi Raikkonen, as the Italian thinks the Finn's experience will come in handy to help him learn the ropes in F1.

Sauber announced that Giovinazzi will be manning the second seat at Sauber next season, meaning that there is no more room for Marcus Ericsson, who will be the third driver for the Swiss-Italian team next season. 

Giovinazzi will be accompanied by Raikkonen, who will swap seats with current Sauber driver Charles Leclerc. While some would think it adds pressure to have a former world champion in your garage, Giovinazzi is positive about it, as he thinks the Ice Man could help him in the early stages of his F1-career.

“He has a lot of experience and if I ask him something he will for sure help me," Giovinazzi was quoted by GrandPrix247.

"I would say he is the best teammate for me to start my F1 career.

"I can’t wait also to race beside a world champion so it’s something really good.”

The 24-year-old has driven for Sauber before in China as a stand-in, but did not impress at all, as he caused a collision in that race. He's sure to get that sour taste out of the people's mouths next year.

“I think the team is working really well, the people they are really motivated.

"Also next year there will be Kimi with a lot of experience and I think also his name can help also the team to give 110% to improve the car and do a fantastic job.”