Antonio Giovinazzi will drive for the Haas Formula 1 team in two free practice sessions later in the 2022 season. Italian Giovinazzi, who lost his race seat at Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021, has spent 2022 racing in Formula E, but will return to the wheel of Grand Prix machinery at the behest of Ferrari. He is due to drive the VF-22 in first practice at the Italian and United States Grands Prix, taking one session from regular drivers Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher. However, Giovinazzi's return does not mean Haas satisfy the requirement for rookie drivers to participate in practice sessions in 2022. Those who have participated in "more than two" races are deemed ineligible to fulfil the criteria, meaning Haas would need to replace Magnussen and Schumacher on further occasions.
Ferrari push for Giovinazzi
"We're happy to welcome Antonio Giovinazzi back to the team for the two FP1 outings," said Haas team boss Guenther Steiner. "Ferrari were keen to give Antonio some seat time in a current-spec Formula 1 car on a race weekend and we were naturally happy to assist. "We enjoyed a similar situation back in 2017 with Antonio and Ferrari. "The clear difference between then and now is the experience he'll have gained competing for the previous three seasons in Formula 1 and the feedback he'll be able to give us in Italy and America. "I'm looking forward to seeing Antonio again and having him back in the paddock with us."
Giovinazzi excited about F1 return
Giovinazzi will return to Haas five years after he completed several practice sessions for the team in 2017. "I'm so glad to have the chance to drive again in official F1 sessions," he said. "Besides simulator driving it is important to test a true car and I can't wait to put my suit and helmet back on. "It'll be an opportunity to get confident with the new generation cars – it's the best way to be ready if I were called as reserve driver. "Driving on challenging and exciting tracks as Monza and COTA (Circuit of the Americas) makes it even more thrilling. "Thanks to Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari – I'm looking forward to giving my contribution to the team that counted on me already in 2017."
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