Antonio Giovinazzi will contest the first practice session of the appointments in Italy and the United States with one of the Haas single-seaters. The Italian is rushing his options to return to Formula 1, but these are remote.
Antonio Giovinazzi They will be able to drive one of the Haas single-seaters in the first practice sessions of the Italian and United States Grand Prix. The American team has confirmed that the Italian driver will be at the wheel of the VF-22 in the FP1 of Monza and the Circuit of the Americasoccupying in each of the events the position of the two starting drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher.
It will not be Antonio Giovinazzi’s first experience with the Haas teamsince the Martina Franca rider already participated in several free practice sessions with the American team in 2017. Subsequently, Giovinazzi raced for Alfa Romeo for three seasons, between 2019 and 2021before leaving the category to join Formula E. Now, Ferrari’s insistence has been key to his return to the ‘Great Circus’even if it is disputing these two free with Haas.
Antonio Giovinazzi does not have the ‘rookie’ category and Haas will have to put a young driver in his car in two FP1
Own Gunther Steinerpatron of Haas, has confirmed this point by assuring that «Ferrari was keen to give Antonio some time in a current spec Formula 1 seat. on a race weekend. Naturally, we are happy to help. We already enjoyed a similar situation in 2017 with Antonio and Ferrari, although there is a big difference as he now has experience racing for three seasons in Formula 1 and you can give us valuable feedback in Italy and America».
Short circuit in Formula E… Return to Formula 1?
Antonio Giovinazzi’s previous experience in Formula 1 prevents his presence in free practice at Monza and Austin with Haas from being counted as the two participations that each team must offer to a ‘rookie’ pilot during the season in an FP1. In this point, Haas will continue to have the obligation to field a young driver in two free sessions in one of the remaining Grand Prix, being Pietro Fittipaldi the presumable one chosen as reserve pilot of the formation.
Beyond this point and the palpable collaboration between Ferrari and Haas, the call for Antonio Giovinazzi to contest these two free continues to fuel rumors about a possible return to Formula 1. At this point, it should be remembered that Kevin Magnussen has a long-term contract with Haas, his partner Mick Schumacher ends his relationship with the team at the end of this season and there are many doubts about his continuity in the team.
Antonio Giovinazzi He did not want to enter into an assessment of this issue and focuses on this option of testing the Haas VF-22 in the first free sessions at Monza and Austin: «In addition to driving in the simulator, it is always important to test drive a real car and I can’t wait to put the jumpsuit and helmet back on to do it. It will be an opportunity to gain experience with the cars under the new regulations. It is the best way to be ready in case they call me as a reserve pilot».
Nevertheless, Giovinazzi would be delighted to return to Formula 1 after his unsuccessful debut in Formula E. Although it is true that the performance of the Penske EV-5 has not been anything to write home about, Antonio has not managed to score points in any race and his season has been to forget. Meanwhile, his teammate Sérgio Sette Câmara has at least achieved two points and several moments of some visibility. Also, Giovinazzi missed the last race of the year due to tendinitis and had to be replaced by Sacha Fenestraz.
Photos: FIA Formula E