Antonio Giovinazzi says the next two grands prix provide an opportunity for Alfa Romeo to turnaround its Formula 1 fortunes, amid a difficult run of form.
Alfa Romeo started 2019 strongly, with Kimi Raikkonen scoring at each of the opening four grands prix, while the team regularly battled for points through the European stage of the season.
But its results have waned since the summer break and it has scored just three points – all courtesy of Giovinazzi – having slipped away from midfield contention.
In Russia it battled at the rear of the midfield with Toro Rosso while in Japan the two drivers mustered only 14th and 16th in the grand prix.
Alfa Romeo has slipped to a distant eighth in the Constructors’ Championship and Giovinazzi has outlined the next two events, in Mexico and the United States, as key to its revival.
“The next two races will be a crucial moment for us,” said Giovinazzi.
“Back-to-backs are always an opportunity to build momentum so it will be important to do well in Mexico and carry on to Austin.
“I have never raced in Mexico City but I had two practice sessions there and I quite like the track.
“The layout, with its long straights, reminds me of Monza, but the conditions will be very different due to the altitude. Hopefully our car will suit the circuit well and we will be in the fight for points.”
Raikkonen, without a point since the Hungarian Grand Prix, says Alfa Romeo has to forget about its recent dip in results and focus on re-grouping.
“Mexico gives us a chance to get back in the points,” said Raikkonen.
“It doesn’t really matter what we did in the past few races, our focus is on the next events and we need to make sure we go out and do our job well. If we do that, we will be in the battle for the points, this is what matters.
“We know the final four races are very important and we will continue to give 100 per cent to finish the season well.”
