Antonio Giovinazzi warns Nico Hulkenberg over Alfa Romeo seat

Antonio Giovinazzi

Giovinazzi warns Hulkenberg over Alfa Romeo seat

Antonio won't give up easily.

Matthew Scott

Monday 21 October 2019 13:00

Antonio Giovinazzi says "nobody" will take his Alf Romeo seat away from him for 2020 if he maintains his current levels of performance.

The spot alongside Kimi Raikkonen is one of five yet to be confirmed for next season, with vacancies also open at Williams, as well as Red Bull and Toro Rosso.

Nico Hulkenberg, released by Renault and rejected by Haas, is Giovinazzi's main rival and the German has a long history with Alfa team principal Fred Vasseur.

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The Italian's clumsy last-lap crash in Spa-Francorchamps left points on the table, but top-10 finishes at Monza and Singapore and out-qualifying Raikkonen in each of the last three events have put him in a confident frame of mind.

"If I can continue with these results and the speed I've shown in the last few races, I think nobody can take my seat," he said.

"So I need to just stay pushing and still focus on my target that is to stay here for next year and then we'll see."

Alfa's close ties with Ferrari may play a role in the decision, and the Scuderia team principal Mattia Binotto has been vocal in his support for his junior driver.

Binotto told Motorsport.com last month: "Antonio is growing, but he also needs to be supported as he deserves. At the moment I don't think he's as calm as he should be, so I think it's right to make him feel the confidence of Ferrari, as he's one of our drivers."

And Giovinazzi knows Ferrari's support could be crucial.

"I have a really good relationship with Mattia and I think it was Singapore when he said that Ferrari are always supporting me and following me and I think that's really great," he said.

"For a driver it's really important to have that support and that feeling, so thank you to them - to Ferrari and Alfa Romeo Racing.

"Now it's my turn to do the best job I can to stay here for next year."