Antonio Giovinazzi says he's leaving Formula 1 for now, but the former Alfa Romeo charger is convinced he'll be back on the grid at some point in the future.
The 28-year-old Italian began his relationship with Sauber in 2017 when he subbed for the injured Pascal Wehrlein at the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.
But it was only in 2019 that Giovinazzi enjoyed his first full season in F1, racing once again with Sauber under the Alfa Romeo banner, a tenure with the Swiss outfit that lasted three seasons.
During that period, the Ferrari protégé scored 21 points and achieved his best result at Interlagos in 2019 when he finished fifth.
This year, Alfa's under-performance limited his ambitions, but overall Giovinazzi generally performed on a par with teammate Kimi Raikkonen, and even occasionally better.
Rumors of Giovinazzi's demise started to swirl around the paddock as early as last summer, and were confirmed in mid-November along with the Italian's move to Formula E with Dragon/Penske.
But Giovinazzi believes he'll be racing in the all-electric series on an interim basis, and will fight to return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
"I’m leaving for now," Giovinazzi told Formula 1's Lawrence Barretto.
"I posted my first picture in a F1 car when I was three years old on my social media. The last picture [in F1] is not this year.
"We saw already many drivers have stopped for one year and come back, like Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon.
"On my side, I had two years reserve driving for Ferrari in 2017 and 2018 and finally got my chance in 2019.
"You never know what will happen in F1. For now, I want to say thanks to all the people who have supported me in the last three years, to all the fans who supported me after the news, and to all the drivers here in F1 who texted me. It’s been a great three years."
To support his efforts to return to F1's fray in the future, Giovinazzi will keep a foot in the door thanks to his reserve role with the Scuderia, a task he will shares with fellow Ferrari driver academy member Mick Schumacher.
"One of the things I will do next is keep one foot in the F1 paddock," he said back in Qatar. "
"I’m still part of the Ferrari family. We’re trying to have the same things next year; it’s important to stay here and see if there is a chance in 2023.
"We’re looking for this, and I’d be happy to continue with them.
"Ferrari has been my first family here in F1," he added. "They took me from F2 and gave me the first chance to join a team in F1.
"For me it’s great if I’m still there with them next year. It’s one of the targets."
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