BREAKING NEWS : Giovinazzi’s ’emotional’ farewell to Kimi and F1, for now….
Antonio Giovinazzi’s departure from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season was marked by deep emotion and heartfelt tributes, particularly towards his teammate Kimi Räikkönen. Their final race together at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only signified the end of Giovinazzi’s stint with Alfa Romeo but also the culmination of Räikkönen’s illustrious F1 career.
A Farewell Etched in Emotion
Giovinazzi’s exit from F1 was underscored by his profound respect for Räikkönen. He described their last race together as “emotional,” emphasizing the privilege of working alongside the 2007 World Champion. “It’s been a pleasure to work with a really great driver like him, a really fair person, a good person, a great person,” Giovinazzi remarked . He further acknowledged Räikkönen’s unique presence in the sport, stating, “I think all the world of F1 will miss him; we will not find another Kimi in F1, I’m sure.”
The bond between the two drivers extended beyond the track. Giovinazzi often sought guidance from Räikkönen, who, despite his reserved nature, was always willing to assist. “He was a loyal companion because in F1, as elsewhere, it is difficult to find loyal people,” Giovinazzi noted . This mentorship played a significant role in Giovinazzi’s development as a driver.
A Memorable Send-Off
Alfa Romeo honored both drivers with special liveries on their cars for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Giovinazzi’s car featured the message “Grazie di tutto, Antonio” (“Thank you for everything, Antonio”), while Räikkönen’s bore the inscription “Dear Kimi, we will leave you alone now,” a nod to one of his iconic radio messages .
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the race itself was bittersweet. Both drivers were forced to retire due to technical issues—Räikkönen with a brake failure and Giovinazzi with a gearbox problem . Nevertheless, the post-race moments were filled with warmth and camaraderie. Räikkönen gifted Giovinazzi a signed helmet, playfully advising, “Remember, don’t use my helmet,” to which Giovinazzi responded with a smile, “Not anymore” .
The two families shared a heartfelt goodbye, with Räikkönen’s children embracing Giovinazzi and plans being made to reunite in Italy over pizza . These moments highlighted the deep personal connection between the teammates, transcending their professional relationship.
Looking Ahead
Following his departure from F1, Giovinazzi transitioned to Formula E, joining the Dragon/Penske Autosport team . Despite this new venture, he remains hopeful about returning to Formula 1 in the future. “I don’t feel, to be honest, that it would be my last race in F1,” he expressed, maintaining a positive outlook on his racing career .
Giovinazzi’s farewell was met with support from fellow drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who sent him messages of encouragement . This outpouring of goodwill reflects the respect he garnered within the racing community.
As Giovinazzi embarks on this new chapter, his journey in Formula 1 remains a testament to his dedication and the meaningful relationships he forged, particularly with Räikkönen. Their partnership stands as a poignant example of camaraderie in the high-octane world of motorsport.