Binotto: 'This year has been more difficult for the Ferrari Driver Academy'

Ferrari currently have four drivers in Formula 1, in Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Antonio Giovinazzi and Mick Schumacher. The latter two are part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and are now putting in miles at Alfa Romeo Racing and Haas F1 respectively. However, those two racing teams are going through a difficult season and are in the bottom two places in the Constructors' Championship.

So it is relatively difficult for Giovinazzi and Schumacher to excel, but Binotto is satisfied with the achievements of his two drivers. "This year has been more difficult for the Ferrari Driver Academy, but you have to give the guys time to grow. Mick Schumacher's first season serves as a learning experience, without pressure, and we are in talks with Haas to bring him under there next season as well."

As for Giovinazzi, expectations are higher as the Italian is already on his third full season in motorsport's premier class."Antonio remains our reserve driver, he is our first alternative if someone unexpectedly drops out. He's shown growth every year and I hope he can stay with Alfa, he deserves it," the team boss said to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Options for Alfa Romeo

Kimi Raikkonen appears to be leaving Alfa Romeo at the end of the year, but it cannot be ruled out that we will see a completely new line-up in 2022. Chef Frederic Vasseur has already said that in September he will reveal who the driver line-up will be for next year. Nico Hulkenberg is one of the names Alfa Romeo has already spoken with.