Giovinazzi: 'I learnt from what I did in China'

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Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi believes that the best way for a driver to regain confidence after a difficult period is to rake up the mileage.

The young Italian was back in the saddle last weekend at Silverstone, running in Friday morning's free practice session for the Ferrari-powered Haas F1 Team as the first of several FP1 opportunities with the US outfit this season.

Giovinazzi substituted for an injured Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber in Australia and China, but the young charger's confidence was rattled in Shanghai after a crash in qualifying and another in the early stages of the race, when conditions were treacherous.

The 23-year-old says however that he took a few lessons from those mishaps.

"I think I learnt from what I did in China," Giovinazzi said.

"And to learn better is to get back in the car, do laps, and take back the confidence.

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"The last time you were in the car you crashed, and then you're not in the car anymore it's really hard. So to come back and take confidence back is really important.

"I'm really happy with my performance, but it was not my target to be honest, to be really fast, [it was] to learn the car. I can't wait to jump in the car again."

While he says he's focused mainly on his upcoming sessions with Haas, Giovinazzi is likely also keeping his 2018 prospects at the back of his head.

"To get in F1 is really hard, there are only 20 seats for the whole world, so it's not like football.

"This is just my first season in Ferrari, they are really good and I trust them. They know what they can do for me.

"Now it's time to focus on what they gave me for this year, seven FP1s, and then we'll see what happens next year. Everything can happen. I hope I find a seat next year."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.