Giovinazzi confident of a 2021 Ferrari shot

Antonio Giovinazzi says he still believes that he can stake a claim to the Ferrari drive in 2021 should the Scuderia decide not to retain the services of Sebastian Vettel.

A claim that may have been scoffed at by many ahead of the 2019 season, Giovinazzi showed signs of improvement in the second half of the season. Factor into the mix that the Italian races alongside Kimi Raikkonen, himself no slouch, and Giovinazzi's performances, while not as eye-catching as his fellow rookies across the year, were not too bad at all.

Speaking to La Gazetta dello Sport, Giovinazzi said, "I would be lying if I said I do not dream of Ferrari.

"The most important thing for me is to completely focus on my work, but I know that if I perform well in 2020, I will have a chance.

"I already have a great relationship with Charles [Leclerc]. We talk a lot and go to the same restaurants in Monaco."

This existing relationship with Leclerc could be key in ensuring that Giovinazzi gets the ride. Contrast the explosive relationship of two equally competitive drivers, both going for the win and taking points off each other in the championship battle to one where there would be a clear number one and number two status.

Fans may be clamoring to see Lewis Hamilton don the scarlet suit and take on Leclerc in equal machinery, but there is a reason Ferrari have been so dominant in the past.

Giovinazzi does however maintain that he can challenge anyone, a point he made by reminding people that he made the step up to Formula One after two years out of racing.

"I challenge anyone in any job to sit out for two years and come back," the Italian continued. "But in terms of speed, I wasn't far from Kimi. I lacked the racing, the starts, the strategies, the pitstops and how to manage the tyres.

"It wasn't like I returned to Formula 2, but to the highest level where I only did a race and a half against the strongest drivers in the world."

"It will be a crucial season, but it's always like that whether it's a confirmation or a promotion.

"He [Raikkonen] doesn't say much, and at first he did not help me because his results were better and it seems like there was a big gap.

"But he is an important benchmark against which I can grow in a professional way."

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