Antonio Giovinazzi heads into 2020 aiming to prove himself to Alfa Romeo and “other teams” to stay in Formula 1 next season.
The Italian had a slow start to his first full year on the grid in 2019 and team boss Fred Vasseur recently revealed a crash on the penultimate lap at the Belgian Grand Prix had put his future into jeopardy.
Strong performances in the following races ultimately saved his seat, however, and now with some experience under his belt, Giovinazzi is keen to push on.
“One for next year is to be in the top 10 more consistently, take maybe one, two points every race,” he told Formula1.com of his 2020 goals. “That will make the difference for the end of the season.
“Next year, I will be more ready. I know already everything from one season, so I need to just be more consistent and get more points.”
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Crucial to achieving that, Giovinazzi believes, is stronger performances in qualifying on Saturdays.
“Starting [further forward] on Sunday can be the key, and we need to do it,” he said. “When you start [higher up the grid] it’s much easier to stay there.
“I think this is where we need to focus, on Saturdays.”
The problem facing Giovinazzi is that with Mick Schumacher and other Ferrari-backed drivers expected to challenge perhaps for the title in F2, he knows retaining his coveted seat is far from guaranteed in 2021.
“Pressure is always there, to be honest,” he said. “I never had the potential of money or name beside me, so I’ve always been under pressure.
“I know I have a contract, but I need to be fast all the time because guys behind are pushing to come in F1.
“I want to show to my team and other teams that I’m good.”