London-born Dan Ticktum is switching his Formula 2 seat for an electric one. He may have been aiming for a Formula 1 seat but as the years have ticked on, it has looked less and less likely despite being a standout star.
So, what do we know about Formula E’s new boy?
Controversial Figure
A twice winner of the famous Macau Grand Prix, Ticktum has always proven that he has the raw talent to reach the top step in motorsport.
However, the Brit hasn’t come without his fair share of controversy.
During the 2015 MSA Formula series, Ticktum got into an incident that saw him banned for two years. At the penultimate round of the series at Silverstone, Ticktum and Ricky Collard collied on the opening lap, sending Ticktum down the field.
Under the safety car, Ticktum overtook several cars, which isn’t allowed during the safety car period, and crashed into Collard, ending both their races.
He apologised after the race and his ban was reduced to one year.
Formula 2
Ticktum is currently in his third Formula 2 season and has brought some of his spice to the Formula 1 feeder series.
He made his debut in 2018 when he replaced Maximillian Günther for the final two rounds in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Ticktum didn’t return for the following year but was picked up by DAMS for the 2020 season. In his first full season, he gained his first win, securing victory at his home race in the Silverstone sprint race.
Through the 2020 season, Ticktum made various unsavoury comments about other drivers. The most infamous was him remarking over a team radio that he would “crash with” Louis Deletraz during the Silverstone event.
His season continued to be a success, collecting three more podiums, and finishing a respectable 11th.
Ticktum’s 2021 season has been a far greater success, so far. He collected two wins and four podiums, leaving him sitting in fourth, with a possibility to finish as high as second in the championship, come the chequered flag at Abu Dhabi this coming weekend.
Formula 1 No More
Before he made his move to Formula E, Ticktum admitted that he had blown his chances at a seat in Formula 1.
The 22-year-old was part of the Williams Driver academy but the relationship between him and the team became sour after he made criticisms about current Williams Racing driver, Canadian Nicholas Latifi, in August 2021. Shortly after the comment was made, Williams cut ties with the young Brit.
Ticktum has also been part of the Red Bull Junior Team from 2017 to mid-2019.
Speaking after the Formula 2 Monza feature race earlier in the year, Ticktum said: “Yes, my chances in Formula 1 are pretty much gone, I don’t know many other young drivers that get booted out of two programmes. Sounds harsh but that’s what’s happened.”
Formula E The Way Forward
On 25 November 2021, it was announced that Ticktum will be partnering up with fellow Brit Oliver Turvey at NIO 333 FE Team for the upcoming 2021/22 FIA Formula E World Championship.
He took part in the Valencia testing, which was held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo from 29 November to 2 December 2021.
Speaking through NIO 333 after his first try, Ticktum realised how tough the transition from Formula 2 to Formula E can be: “My first taste of Formula E was good I would say. It was tough, that’s for sure, and a big challenge as I expected. There’s so much to it and unfortunately two days is not a long time to learn, but I felt like I made good process. The regen concept is very new for someone like me, soils definitely going to take a while to get used to that, but I’ll do my best and I’m looking forward to the start of the season already”(sic).
His first taste of racing in the electric series comes on 28 January 2022, when the Formula E circus heads to Saudi Arabia for the first two races of the 2021/22 season.
NIO 333 haven’t had the easiest time in Formula E so far. Their highest championship finish was fourth place in the inaugural 2014/15 season. Since then, the team haven’t been able to immolate that success, even having a nil-point finish during the 2019-20 season.
Ticktum will be hoping his move to the team can be a boost and put the Chinese team back on the score sheet and boost his career going forward.
Maybe Formula E might lead the younger driver on to great things and who knows, he could still have a shot at the pinocle of motorsport in Formula 1 in the future, as long as he carries on keeping his cool.
Feature image credit: Wikimedia
