Frederic Vasseur is happy to give Antonio Giovinazzi time to prove himself at Alfa R༺omeo, saying there are no doubts about the Italian’s speed despite a difficult start to the Formula 1 season.

Giovinazzi landed his first full-time drive for more than two years when he signed for Alfa Romeo as Kimi Raikkonen’s 2019 teammate, but ൲has struggled to match his teammate’s results, being outscore🍌d 31-3 through the first 14 rounds of the season.

Giovinazzi’s seat is one of only five yet to be confirmed for 2020, leading to speculation that Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg could be drafted 📖in as a replacement after losing his seat 💯with Renault.

Vasseur previously worked with Hulkenberg at ART Grand Prix in junior categories, and was instrumental in the signing of the German to Renault back in 2016, calling him a "perfect match♋" for the team at the ti♏me.

But when asked about any interest in Hulkenberg, Alfa Romeo F1 chief Vasseur stressed the focus lay entirely♊ on Giovinazzi and his development through the remainder of the season.

“We are focused with Antonio,” Vasseur said. “Antonio had a very tough weekend in Spa but a strong recovery the week after in Monza. We want to help him to develop and continue to improve🥂.

“It will be time to discuss about the future, but I am really f♓ocuse𓃲d on Antonio. I think he is doing, step-by-step, a good job.

“The speed is there for sure. He has b🍨een matching Kimi in qualy since the first race, and we have absolutely nothing to complain about the speed.

“I just want to sc💦ore more points, but as does everybo💟dy.”

Vasseur said Alfa Romeo may opt to postpone making any final decision on the vacant seat until the end of the season, givin♏g Giovinazzi plenty of time to develop an꧂d grow.

“It could make sense as we are not 🧔in a rush at all,” Vasseur said.

“It could make sense to postpone the dec🐽ision, a💛nd have a look at Antonio and the improvement from Antonio.

“But honestly I think he is on a good way.”