Antonio Giovinazzi believes his absence from Formula 1 will be temporary as he and Ferrari eye “opportunities” in 2023.
The Italian was dropped by Alfa Romeo after three seasons at the end of last year and is preparing to race in Formula E with Dragon Penske Autosport, with the opening round this weekend in Saudi Arabia.
However, while Giovinazzi had what could be called a less than spectacular stint on the F1 grid, he is confident of a future return.
“I’m leaving for now,” he told Formula1.com. “I posted my first picture in an F1 car when I was three years old on my social media. The last picture [in F1] is not this year [2021].
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“We saw already many drivers have stopped for one year and come back, like Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon.
“On my side, I had two years reserve driving for Ferrari in 2017 and 2018 and finally got my chance in 2019.
“You never know what will happen in F1. For now, I want to say thanks to all the people who have supported me in the last three years, to all the fans who supported me after the news, and to all the drivers here in F1 who texted me. It’s been a great three years.”
Alongside his Formula E drive, Giovinazzi will “keep one foot in the F1 paddock” as he remains a reserve driver for Ferrari.
And team boss Mattia Binotto is equally optimistic the 28-year-old can get another chance.
“With Antonio, no doubt there can be some more opportunities for him in 2023,” he said.
“For the seats, there are, I think, 11 which will be free in 2023. I’m not saying all of them will be free at the end of the season.
“But if I look at the contracted drivers today, 11 contracts are finishing by the end of 2022, including Carlos [Sainz], but that is the situation.
“Which means that as a driver if you got any opportunity in 2023, a few are possible.
“That’s why it’s important for him to still be part of our F1 programme as a reserve driver, meaning activities at the simulator and keeping up to speed with the 2022 cars.”