Alfa Romeo has announced that Antonio Giovinazzi is to leave the team at the end of the season, following three seasons with the Hinwil-based team.

The Martina Franca-born racer, the first Italian to compete in a full F1 season since 2011 when he lined up for the team on the Melbourne grid in 2019, has taken part in 59 races with the Swiss squad so far, including two for Sauber in 2017, when he made his debut in lieu of an injured Pascal Wehrlein.

A popular driver with team personnel and fans alike, Giovinazzi has been an incredible professional throughout his experience with the team, contributing to its growth and giving 100% both on and off the track.

He scored a best result of fifth in the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix and created some special moments, such as leading the race under the lights of Singapore in his debut season and hauling the car in Q3 several times this season.

In a brief statement, which didn't include a comment from the driver himself, Alfa Romeo wished him, a great team-mate and a fantastic person, the best for his future endeavours as he embarks on a new chapter of his career.

"Saying goodbye to a driver is never easy," said Frederic Vasseur, "especially so in the case of Antonio, who has been part of the team for so long.

"As we part ways, we will cherish the memories of the good times and learn lessons from the bad ones, knowing these moments all made us grow together as a team.

"We wish Antonio the best for his future after the 2021 season: before then, we still have three races to achieve some good results together and finish the year strongly."

Giovinazzi's departure appears to open the door for China's Guanyu Zhou who made his F1 debut with Alpine in Austria earlier this season.

The team has already signed Valtteri Bottas on a "multi-year" deal as it heads into the sport's new era with an all-new line-up following the retirement of Kimi Raikkonen.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 17/11/2021 1:10

"Giovenazzi showed glimpses of improvement but it was too late and too little. That said, it must be extremely difficult to maintain the rage when every race that you enter you know that you'll be down at the back of the bus...in a manner of speaking. He at least had time driving the top series and that is something very few get to do. I wish him luck."

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2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 16/11/2021 22:52

"I don't think there is any open slots for next season. Perhaps a reserve driver for Ferrari?"

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Giovinazzi to leave Alfa Romeo

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