Formula 1: 5 possible replacements for Nikita Mazepin
By Asher Fair
Possible Nikita Mazepin replacements: No. 2 – Antonio Giovinazzi
Antonio Giovinazzi is one of only two drivers who competed in Formula 1 during the 2021 season but are not slated to return in 2022. The other one, his former Alfa Romeo teammate Kimi Raikkonen, retired, while Giovianzzi is currently competing in Formula E for Dragon/Penske Autosport.
Giovinazzi had been Ferrari’s selection at Alfa Romeo for three consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2021 before he was replaced for 2022, and he was only dropped after Ferrari lost their right to select one of Alfa Romeo’s two drivers. Former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas and rookie Guanyu Zhou are set to compete for the team in 2022.
With Haas being a Ferrari-powered team, that connection could provide him with a nice opportunity to get back into Formula 1 for the 2022 season, especially since he never wanted to leave.
He only scored three points in 2021, but he consistently drove the C41 to respectable finishes. His only DNF came in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, and that came as a result of a hydraulics issue. Aside from that, he only placed outside the top 15 on one occasion. While he only scored points twice, he reeled off three straight 11th place finishes at one point.
Giovinazzi is young enough that this would give him an opportunity to prove he still belongs in Formula 1, and he is experienced enough to provide valuable feedback to the team and help Mick Schumacher along during his second year in the sport as a new era of rules and regulations gets underway.