Antonio Giovinazzi: “A weight lifted off my shoulders”

After ten career Grands Prix outside the Top 10, Antonio Giovinazzi scored his first point in F1 yesterday at the end of an Austrian Grand Prix which saw both Alfa Romeo finish in the points, Kimi Räikkönen finishing 9th just ahead of the Italian.

Two single-seaters in the top 10, here is a first for Frédéric Vasseur's team this year, the French manager showing his joy after the finish, and even coming to cut a lock of Giovinazzi's hair, following a promise made to the boss.

A promise is a promise.. (especially with your boss).

#AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/TEQydDLyU1

- Alfa Romeo Racing (@alfaromeoracing) 30th June 2019

© DPPI / F. Gooden

“It’s a great feeling and a huge weight off my shoulders, describes Giovinazzi. I think that's the most we could have done today, so I'm really pleased to have two cars in the top ten.

Qualifying was very positive yesterday, but today's race was very difficult. Sergio Pérez was right behind me for most of the afternoon and the pressure was on, but I really wanted this point. »

With these three units, Alfa Romeo Racing overtakes Racing Point in the Manufacturers' standings and returns to ten units behind Renault. The Hinwil-based team could perhaps even have done better according to its boss.

“Maybe we could have scored a few more points at the end, as we were catching up Sainz with both cars, but in the end we can be satisfied with what we got, admits Vasseur.

We have shown progress in the last few races, so we will strive to continue this momentum and continue to perform well. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Austrian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Spielberg, in issue 2223 of AUTOhebdo, available this evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.