F1 News: Antonio Giovinazzi will reportedly take part in Alpine test
Antonio Giovinazzi has experienced a challenging year away from Formula 1, finishing at the bottom of the Formula E standings in his first season in the series.
A combination of an uncompetitive machine and generally poor pace from the Italian contributed to this result, though Giovinazzi remains determined to make his return to the F1 grid.
Haas opportunity fading
The 28-year-old has previously been mentioned as a candidate to join Haas. However, more recent reports indicate that the American squad is more interested in Nico Hulkenberg as a potential replacement for Mick Schumacher.
Despite rumours suggesting that his free practice runs be opportunities for Haas to evaluate his level, it seems more likely that Giovinazzi’s time in the VF-22 is more closely related to his simulator duties with Ferrari.
Mick Schumacher or Nico Hulkenberg are most likely to drive alongside Kevin Magnussen next season. At least for now, Giovinazzi’s time in Formula 1 with Alfa Romeo seems insufficient in convincing Haas that he deserves a seat.
Alpine’s extensive options
This leaves Giovinazzi with even more limited options for next season, though autosport reports that he could take part in the upcoming Alpine test.
At this stage, finding a driver that has not been linked to Alpine is difficult, with the French team entertaining a variety of options after allowing Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri to slip through their fingers.
Other candidates at Alpine include the likes of Pierre Gasly, so it seems unlikely Giovinazzi will be one of Alpine’s priority signings, given the calibre of drivers he is competing with for that seat.
Regardless, the former Alfa Romeo driver will be hoping to participate in the scheduled Alpine test at the Hungaroring (before the Singapore GP) to demonstrate that he can perform for the French team.
Alpins has mentioned they want a driver with experience to join the team. Whilst they have contradicted this message by stating Jack Doohan is in contention, it cannot be said that Giovinazzi is entirely out of the mix, though his chances seem relatively low.
