‘Dreadful’ Stewarding Sparks Explosive FIA Rant from British Racing Star
British racing driver Dan Ticktum has launched a blistering attack on FIA race stewards, accusing officials of failing to control dangerous driving standards following a chaotic incident at the Mexico City E-Prix.
The outburst came during the second round of the 2025/26 Formula E season, a weekend that saw Nick Cassidy convert a commanding performance into victory to seize an early lead in the championship standings. While Cassidy celebrated up front, controversy erupted deeper in the pack, where a dramatic four-car collision at the tight Turn Five hairpin became the defining flashpoint of the race.
Among the casualties was Ticktum, who was forced into retirement after sustaining damage in the melee. The Briton, known as much for his uncompromising racecraft as his outspoken personality, was left furious—not just with rival drivers, but with the officials tasked with policing the action.
Ticktum, who races for Cupra Kiro, is enduring a nightmare start to the new campaign. Having already retired from the São Paulo E-Prix in December, the Mexico clash means he remains without a single classified finish this season. Emotions spilled over immediately, with the 25-year-old branding his competitors “petulant children” over team radio shortly after climbing out of the car.
However, it was his post-race interview that truly ignited debate across the paddock.
Speaking candidly to The Race, Ticktum did not hold back when asked about the standard of officiating in Formula E.
“The stewarding level in this championship right now is just dreadful,” he said. “Because of that, everyone’s driving like idiots. There are half moves everywhere, reckless lunges—some of it isn’t even the drivers’ fault. It’s simply not being policed properly, and it feels like a rental car race.”
Ticktum argued that the lack of firm penalties has emboldened drivers to push beyond acceptable limits, creating a dangerous environment where aggressive tactics go largely unpunished.
He also pointed to an earlier clash in the race involving Antonio Félix da Costa, which he believes set the tone for the chaos that followed.
“Da Costa hit me a couple of laps before the incident that actually took me out,” Ticktum explained. “I lost three or four places because of it, and all he gets is a warning. In what championship can you hit someone from behind, ruin their race, and walk away with nothing? It’s a joke.”
The comments have reignited discussion around Formula E’s stewarding consistency—an issue that has periodically surfaced as the championship continues to grow in competitiveness and intensity.
A Reputation That Divides Opinion
While Ticktum’s criticism has resonated with some fans, others were quick to point out that the British driver himself is no stranger to controversy.
Now entering his fifth season in Formula E, Ticktum has developed a reputation as one of the grid’s most aggressive racers. His uncompromising approach has frequently drawn criticism from pundits and fellow drivers, with some questioning whether his style crosses the line between assertive and reckless.
His name even surfaced in Formula 1 discourse last season following a highly contentious moment involving Max Verstappen and George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen was accused of deliberately colliding with Russell during a heated exchange on track—a move that drew widespread condemnation.
Russell, in a pointed remark afterward, likened Verstappen’s behavior to that of Ticktum, implying a pattern of overly aggressive driving. Rather than bristle at the comparison, Ticktum embraced it with characteristic bravado.
In a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video, he responded directly to Russell’s comments.
“It’s come to my attention via the Twittersphere that a certain Formula 1 driver—his name is George Russell—has made some rather choice comments about a certain Formula E driver,” Ticktum said. “He hasn’t named me, but it’s obviously aimed at me.”
He continued with a grin:
“Firstly, thank you for the free publicity—we’ll take that any day of the week. And secondly, while what Max did was a bit questionable, being compared to him at any point in my career is a positive, if you ask me.”
Pressure Mounting
With two races gone and zero finishes to his name, pressure is beginning to mount on Ticktum to translate his raw speed into results. His frustration in Mexico was clear, but whether his fiery criticism will lead to changes—or simply further scrutiny—remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Dan Ticktum is never far from the centre of the story, and his latest clash with the FIA ensures that debate over stewarding standards in Formula E is far from over.
