Antonio Giovinazzi will participate in the tests for Alpine in Budapest

And that makes four. Alpine will be testing Antonio Giovinazzi, former driver for Alfa Romeo last season, alongside Formula E champion Nyck de Vries, IndyCar driver Colton Herta, and Alpine’s own F2 driver Jack Doohan. (link: Des essais chez Alpine pour plusieurs rookies.html)

“>These trials will take place this month of September in Budapest, on the Hungaroring circuit.”

The objective of these maneuvers: to find the best possible replacement for the two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who unexpectedly left for Aston Martin. Alpine was hoping to rely on Oscar Piastri, but he already had other plans in mind…

If the case is not easy, with the Spanish driver being particularly appreciated for his performances, Antonio Giovinazzi emerges as a non-negligible option: the Italian has several years of experience in F1 and holds a Super License… In contrast to Colton Herta, who hopes to obtain one to land in the premier category in 2023.

According to numerous rumors, Alpine will want to help the American obtain this FIA certification in order to be able to take Pierre Gasly’s seat at AlphaTauri, allowing the latter to sign with Alpine. A nice game of musical chairs.

Alpine is looking for the experience.

Antonio Giovinazzi would however have his chance in the team, according to the words of the general manager of the brand, Laurent Rossi, who seems very eager. « We need to find a driver capable of scoring good points right away. This essentially leads us towards an older driver, if you will, but at the same time someone who is capable of growing with us. These are the criteria that we are currently applying », he declared to Autosport after the race at Monza.

However, Laurent Rossi warns that we are unlikely to know the name of the replacement in the near future. Otmar (Szafnauer) is leading the process, seeing all the drivers, discussing with them, evaluating the options, evaluating them here, potentially during the tests. So, I assume it is a process that will take some time. We want to make the right decision and there is no urgency.

Open house at Haas

The name of the Italian driver has already been mentioned at Haas as a potential replacement for Mick Schumacher, who has not yet re-signed for next season. Giovinazzi also took part in the first free practice session at Monza driving a Haas, and he will do the same for the Grand Prix of the United States, which will take place from October 21st to 23rd in Austin. But for now, all options remain open.

« I want to be here next year, for sure, it’s not a secret, but it’s not up to me,” he explained in Italy. « So let’s see what we can do, and for now, I am focusing on doing an excellent job in these two sessions.”