Teams and drivers are gearing up for F1’s restart in Austria on the 5th of July. This year’s midfield battle is set to be an intense one. While the likes of McLaren, Racing Point, and Renault would be expected to finish behind the ‘Big Three,’ Alfa Romeo will also be looking want to push higher up in the table.

2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen will partner Antonio Giovinazzi, behind the steering wheel of the C39 again. Many have touted that this could be the Finn’s last year in F1. However, his teammate doesn’t want any favors from Kimi when it comes to securing his own future in F1.

Antonio Giovinazzi thinks that beating Kimi Raikkonen will go a long way in assuring his place in F1 next year

Swiss news publication Blick quoted the Italian driver. Giovinazzi was raring to hit the track again with Alfa Romeo. He said, “After the hard enforced break in Italy, getting into a Formula 1 car feels like returning to normal. I cannot wait.”

Furthermore, he was honest in saying that the writing on the wall was clear for him if he doesn’t do well this year. “If my dreams are to continue, I have to beat Kimi this year.” Added the Italian. Although Giovinazzi is Ferrari’s reserve driver this year, the chances of him driving for the team in the future are slim to none. Especially considering that they have already locked in Carlos Sainz for next year.

Giovinazzi endured a disappointing season last year at Alfa Romeo. He only mustered up 14 points and finished a lowly 17th on the Drivers’ championship standings. He only finished ahead of Haas’s Romain Grosjean (8 pts) and both the Williams drivers, Robert Kubica 1 pt) and George Russell (0 pts).

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Whereas his teammate, the ‘Iceman’ finished 12th in the standings. Kimi also bagged a solid 43 points, 31 of which came during the first 12 races.

“The long break was a great chance to finally dedicate more to the family. Now everyone has a strange feeling their stepping on the gas again. But I believe we quickly forget all restrictions outside in the cockpit.” Kimi was quoted saying by Blick.

The Alfa Romeo team will be hoping they put on a better performance as compared to last season. They would be hoping to finish higher than 8th place on the Constructors’ championship standings this year.