Alfa Romeo Racing looks set to retain Antonio Giovinazzi for 2020 F1 season as Nico Hulkenberg wants more time to be certain about his future.
Hulkenberg’s future in F1 drive seemingly lies in the hands of Alfa Romeo’s team boss Frederic Vasseur and Williams’ Claire Williams. However, neither of the people seem terribly interested in obtaining the driver for their line-up.
For few races now, Vasseur has hinted on retaining the services of Ferrari protege Giovinazzi, who had a difficult start to his debut F1 season but has done a decent job, given some of the luck he has had in certain races.
“If you have a look at the last few races, I think that Giovinazzi is doing a very strong job, that he was matching Kimi in the last six or seven qualifyings in a row,” said Vasseur. “He was in front in Sochi. He’s doing the job and he’s improving step-by-step and I’m very confident with Antonio.”
This, of course, leaves Hulkenberg with only Williams as a likely option, but even there the German’s chances look grim, as the British team seems set on F2 racer Nicholas Latifi, who has the upper hand, having tested with the team as it reserve.
It seems the next logical step would be to move to another series which Hulkenberg claims, he hasn’t given much thought, although he’s already ruled out a move to IndyCar. He wouldn’t get a Formula E shot in 2019/20 but could build-up to it or drive in WEC.
“If it wasn’t to continue here, after that, honestly I haven’t given [it] that much thought. I think, also for me personally, I would take some time to get clarity over what I want, find a new challenge,” he said. “Of course I will be in some racing car again in the future because that’s what I love doing, it’s my passion so I think only time will tell what happens then.”
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The story was written by Duncan Leahy and edited by Darshan Chokhani