Antonio Giovinazzi has said that the 2021 Formula 1 season would not be the right time for him to make the move to Scuderia Ferrari, even though he would have jumped at the opportunity.
The Italian was linked with making a potential move to Ferrari after Sebastian Vettel announced he would be leaving the team at the end of the year, following the expiration of his contract.
Instead of promoting him – despite being a graduate from their driver academy – they opted for McLaren F1 Team‘s Carlos Sainz Jr. on a two-year contract.
Speaking to Sky‘s F1 Vodcast, he said he was still extremely grateful to have had the opportunity.
“I’m still part of that family and I was really happy to have at least maybe the possibility to take that seat,” said Giovinazzi.
“In my career I never had something easy, I always fight. And I think now was maybe not the right time after 23 Grand Prix. Last year I grew up really well during the year, but this year we haven’t raced so it’s really difficult for me.
“I’m still young so I’m sure if I continue like that and continue to fight, really work hard I can have that possibility.”
Team principal Mattia Binotto said that it wasn’t the right time to take on Givonazzi, but he was still part of their plans for the future.
Giovinazzi was asked why he felt it had not been the right time for Charles Leclerc to progress to Ferrari after completing just one year in the sport.
“I know that Charles also had one season and then went to Ferrari straight away, but from my side, if we’re looking back, we struggled also in the second part of the season with the car,” he said.
“So, also if I grew up like a driver, the result was not really there. But I’m still part of Ferrari and also what Mattia says, that they still follow me and follow especially on my career, it’s something really great.
“So, also if I grew up like a driver, the result was not really there. But I’m still part of Ferrari and also what Mattia says, that they still follow me and follow especially on my career, it’s something really great.
“In the future we will see. I’m still a Ferrari driver so I’m sure I can maybe have the opportunity,” he concluded.
