Antonio Giovinazzi has retained his seat at Alfa Romeo with the team confirming he has signed an extension to his contract.

Giovinazzi had a difficult start to his first full season in Formula 1, but has had an upturn in form in recent races and is starting to match his more experienced team-mate, Kimi Raikkonen on a more regular basis.

Alfa Romeo boss, Frederic Vasseur, hinted a few races ago that it was likely that Giovinazzi would retain is seat, and it has now been made official after the Italian’s 14th place finish at the United States Grand Prix.

Speaking about the contract extension, Giovinazzi said: “I am very happy to be staying with the team for 2020.”

“I am grateful for the incredible level of support I received in my first full season in Formula One: everyone in the team has stuck by my side since I joined and I am really looking forward to continuing our journey together.

“We learned a lot this year and I am confident we can make a big step forward next season.

“I won’t be a rookie anymore so there won’t be any excuses for me: I want to be competitive right from the start of the championship and repay the confidence the team has shown in me.”

Alfa team boss Vasseur, also added that Giovinazzi has proven a tough benchmark for Raikkonen and believes the consistency of an unchanged line-up will help the team into 2020.

“Antonio has done really well this year and I am extremely pleased to be able to confirm he will stay with Alfa Romeo Racing for 2020.” said Vasseur.

“The way he has integrated into the team and has consistently improved throughout his first full season in the sport are very promising and we cannot wait to unlock his full potential as we continue to work together.

“Antonio has emerged as a very quick driver, even alongside as tough a benchmark as Kimi, and we expect him to develop even further as his experience grows.

“His technical feedback, work ethics and positive approach will help us continue to push our team forward, and so will the consistency of an unchanged line-up for next season.”