As expected, Alfa Romeo Racing has retained Antonio Giovinazzi for the 2020 season, the young Italian continuing to race alongside F1 veteran Kimi Raikkonen.
Positive comments from Alfa team boss Frédéric Vasseur on Giovinazzi's progress in the second half of the season were a clear indication that the Ferrari junior would remain at Hinwil.
However, the sudden availability of outgoing Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg led pundits to speculate about a potential future for the German driver with the Swiss squad.
But that prospect has now been officially dismissed, with Hulkenberg likely to be absent from the F1 grid in 2020.
"Antonio has done really well this year," said Vasseur. "I am extremely pleased to be able to confirm he will stay with Alfa Romeo Racing for 2020.
"The way he has integrated into the team and has consistently improved throughout his first full season in the sport are very promising and we cannot wait to unlock his full potential as we continue to work together.
"Antonio has emerged as a very quick driver, even alongside as tough a benchmark as Kimi [Raikkonen], and we expect him to develop even further as his experience grows.
"His technical feedback, work ethics and positive approach will help us continue to push our team forward, and so will the consistency of an unchanged line-up for next season."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
