Giovinazzi believes he is 'lucky' to be racing alongside Raikkonen

Antonio Giovinazzi is looking forward to the start of the 2019 season and believes that he is 'lucky' to have the experience of Kimi Raikkonen alongside him.

Giovinazzi has thought that his chances of racing in Formula 1 were over but he kept working and for the first time he will now have a race seat at Alfa Romeo. Previously, Giovinazzi had been working as a development driver for Ferrari and did get a taste of racing in Formula 1 when he replaced Pascal Wehrlein for two races.

The Italian now has a race seat and is looking forward to the start of the season.

Giovinazzi spoke to AutoSport about the coming season: "There is still no data on the potential of the new car, but beyond that, in my case, it will be important to confirm a growth race after race.

"At the beginning, it is a very pleasant experience, because you work with great professionals and with great drivers, in my case Vettel and Kimi," said Giovinazzi of his simulator work with Ferrari.

Alfa Romeo have taken over Sauber and will look to improve on their 8th position in the constructor's championship this year.