An old friend returns to Formula 1!
US racing team Haas, Mick Schumacher’s (23) team, has Antonio Giovinazzi (28) as a test driver for free practice on Friday at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza (9th to 11th September) and the US GP in Austin (October 21 to 23) committed. Both races have been firmly selected to use the Italian.
Haas team boss Günther Steiner: “We are happy to have Antonio Giovinazzi back in the team for two free practice sessions.”
And further: “Ferrari is keen to offer Antonio time in the new Formula 1 car at race weekends and we are delighted to be able to help. We already had a situation like this with Ferrari and Antonio in 2017 – but this time it’s different because he already has three years of experience in Formula 1, so he can give us a completely different feedback in Italy and the USA.
Giovinazzi made his Formula 1 debut for Alfa Romeo in 2019 and competed for a total of three seasons for the Sauber team before the Italian and Kimi Raikkonen (retired) were replaced by Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.
Antonio Giovinazzi returns to Formula 1 and is allowed to drive as a test driver for Haas at two GPs in Italy and the USA in free practice
All in all, Giovinazzi, who last drove for Dragon-Penske in Formula E, started 62 times in the premier class. However, the connection to Formula 1 never broke completely, as he is listed as a reserve driver at Ferrari. Giovinazzi comes from the Ferrari forge. And the Scuderia is the engine supplier for the Schumacher team.
Giovinazzi on his comeback: “I’m happy to have the chance to take part in training once more in Formula 1. In addition to the simulator, it’s important to test the real car and I can’t wait to put on the racing suit and helmet once more.” The Italian wants to get used to the new car quickly so that he can be available as a reserve driver in an emergency.
Both Mick colleague Kevin Magnussen (29) and Schumacher himself have to clear the cockpit once for the former Sauber driver.
