The unpredictability and novelty of the Formula E World Championship has surprised not only analysts and motorsport fans. Drivers proven in Formula 1 have practically had to start from scratch behind the wheel of the electric car.
This is the case of Antonio Giovinazzi, Dragon Penske driver, who has not had it all his own way in his debut in the category. The Italian spent three seasons as Alfa Romeo’s driver in the “big circus” before joining the competition founded by Alejandro Agag.
The 28-year-old is at the bottom of the standings, having retired in five of the 12 E-Prix so far this season, a situation that has led him to state that his time in other motorsport competitions has not helped him in his current challenge.
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Giovinazzi told The Independent that unfortunately for him, Formula E is about a completely different car and format. “Everything is different, nothing of what I learned in the past in different categories and F1 works here.”
“How you need to brake, the mentality in the race of not pushing and the need to save energy, recharge the battery, it’s completely different,” he emphasized.
However, the Italian acknowledges that the challenges of facing the unknown was what motivated him to participate in the electrified series. “That was one of the things that made me want to come here to be honest, to learn new things, because in my career I drove a lot of cars and the only one that was missing was Formula E.
He explained that for a rookie it is not the best championship because they don’t have much time in the car, since the session lasts 30 minutes, among other aspects such as a new track.
“For example Berlin is two different tracks in two days, not difficult tracks, but you have to learn them and we were not very fast there,” Giovinazzi pointed out.
However, it’s not all bad for the racer, who noted that there are elements he likes about Formula E such as the pre-race and street track.
“You can never race in other categories in New York, Rome, London, for sure it’s really good for the championship. The other side, off the track, it’s more relaxed, less stress compared to F1. It’s a lot of difference,” he said.
Debut and Farewell?
Despite the poor results, the Italian does not rule out continuing in Formula E, although he has not made a decision regarding his future. “We’ll see,” he replied when asked if he ever wanted to return to F1. “Never say never, I don’t know what I’ll be doing next year, but I hope to find out soon.”
He indicated that for the moment he is focused on finishing the season in the best possible way to then resolve his future. “I have no news for now, when I close the season here I will think about me and what I like, and I will try to have the best option for next year,” he concluded.
