Scuderia Ferrari have signed young Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi as their third driver for the 2017 season. Giovinazzi impressed in GP2 this season, winning 5 out of 22 races in his debut season. He finished second overall, losing out only to Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who is a part of Red Bull’s Young Driver Program.
This means that the 8-year long wait for an Italian Ferrari Driver has finally come to an end*. The last time an Italian drove for Ferrari was in 2009 when Gincarlo Fisichella was chosen to replace the then-injured Felipe Massa for the second half of the season.
If any of Ferrari’s two current drivers leave the team, there are high chances that Giovinazzi might be picked to fill the seat. If the Italian team feel that he is not mature enough, he can drive for Haas, one of which’s seats can be used as a developing ground for Ferrari.
On a similar note, Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has hinted that Alfa Romeo could return to Formula One as Ferrari’s junior team. Marchionne said that it could be a ‘fine breeding ground for young Italian drivers’. This seems similar to Red Bull’s Young Driver Program where Toro Rosso acts as the junior team.
This is definitely good news as more young drivers can break into Formula One and also that a team with such a rich history could return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
What is your opinion on the same? Comment below and let me know!
*Driver refers to both racing driver and test driver
Image Credits: formulaone.com
