Dan Ticktum Responds to George Russell’s Dig After Spanish GP C…read more
Controversial British racing driver Dan Ticktum has hit back after seemingly being referenced in a thinly-veiled jab by Formula 1 star George Russell, following a heated Spanish Grand Prix that saw Max Verstappen penalized for a late-race incident.
The incident occurred during the final stages of the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen appeared to intentionally clash with Russell’s Mercedes. The move drew widespread criticism from the paddock, with many, including Russell and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, suggesting that the reigning four-time world champion should have been disqualified. Instead, Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty, which dropped him from fourth to tenth place.
Speaking after the race, Russell said he believed Verstappen’s actions were dangerous and set a poor example for younger fans. When asked whether he had seen such a move before in Formula 1, Russell replied, “Not in Formula 1, maybe in Formula E. Yeah, maybe one British driver in Formula E.” Although he didn’t mention anyone by name, many interpreted the comment as a pointed reference to Ticktum, who has gained notoriety for his aggressive driving style and controversial past.
Ticktum, now racing in Formula E with one podium to his name, has often been criticized for his conduct both on and off the track. Most infamously, he was banned from motorsport for two years during his junior career after deliberately crashing into a rival under safety car conditions. Despite efforts to rehabilitate his image, Ticktum remains a polarizing figure in the motorsport world.
Not one to shy away from the spotlight, Ticktum responded on Instagram with a cheeky but defiant message. “Good evening, sports fans, I hope you’re all having a lovely Sunday,” he began in his Instagram Story, filmed after the Shanghai ePrix. “I’ve just had a very nice evening with the team and some of the guys from Porsche here in Shanghai, I’m just on the way back to the hotel.”
He continued: “It has come to my attention, via the Twittersphere, that a certain driver in Formula 1, not to name names, but his name is George Russell, has made some rather choice comments about a certain Formula E driver. He hasn’t named my name, but it’s quite obviously pointed at me. I’d like to address those comments.”
Ticktum sarcastically thanked Russell for the exposure, stating: “Number one, thank you for the free publicity, we’ll take that any day of the week. And two, while what Max did today was a little bit sceptical, to be likened to him at any point in my career is positive, if you ask me.”
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s title hopes took a major hit. His 10-second penalty dropped him crucial positions and reduced his points tally, leaving him 49 points behind current championship leader Oscar Piastri. More worryingly for the Red Bull driver, Verstappen picked up three penalty points on his FIA super licence for the collision with Russell. This brings his total to 11 penalty points over the past 12 months — just one shy of the 12-point threshold that triggers a one-race ban.
With two races to go before the oldest penalty points expire, Verstappen must now avoid any further infractions or risk missing a crucial race weekend. The pressure is on for the Dutch driver to rein in his aggression at a time when every point could determine the fate of his championship campaign.
The fallout from the Spanish Grand Prix has not only ignited controversy in Formula 1 but has spilled over into other series, proving once again that the drama of motorsport rarely stays confined to one track or one championship.
