Alfa Romeo will retain Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi for a third season in 2021, it was announced on Friday.
Raikkonen has been in great form this year and recently surpassed Rubens Barrichello to become Formula 1’s most experienced driver.
Despite that, the fire still burns bright and the 2007 world champion is looking forward to what will be another landmark in his legendary career next year.
“Alfa Romeo Racing is more than a team to me, it is like a second family,” Raikkonen commented.
“So many of the faces that were around me when I made my Formula 1 debut in 2001 are still here and the unique atmosphere of this team is what gives me that extra motivation to keep going in what will be my 19th season in the sport, next year.
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“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in the team’s project and in what we feel we can achieve together.
“This is a team that values hard work over words and this fits well with my style: I am looking forward to next year and hopefully making some steps forward towards the front of the midfield with the team.”
As for Giovinazzi, the decision to keep the Italian will baffle some given the wave of talent coming through the Ferrari Academy, however, he has been given another chance to prove himself.
“The team has put a lot of faith in me and I have done my best to repay this confidence with hard work and commitment,” Antonio said.
“We have achieved some good results and I feel I have done my part to make the team progress, but the road ahead is still long and there is much more we want to achieve together.”
The decision to go for familiarity in a year of little change in 2021 was something Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur highlighted in his remarks.
“I am very pleased for the team to continue working with Kimi and Antonio for another season,” said the Frenchman.
“Kimi is a driver who needs no introduction: his talent has been clear to everyone since 2001 and I still see the passion and motivation in him every time I see him at work.
“He can be trusted to deliver 100% of what the car can produce and he is a true leader for the people working around him. Antonio finished last year’s campaign strongly and he picked up where he left off and kept improving throughout 2020.
“From the track to the engineering briefings, Antonio has played a crucial role for our team and he has thoroughly deserved a new contract for 2021. His work ethic, commitment to the team and contagious enthusiasm are a huge asset for Alfa Romeo Racing.”
