Dan Ticktum has a message for the Formula E paddock: get to know him before you judge him. Despite emerging as one of the grid's most exciting talents, the 26-year-old Briton remains without a seat for the championship's highly anticipated Gen4 era, and he believes lingering misconceptions are to blame.
Ticktum's journey in Formula E began in 2022 with the underdog NIO 333 team. Since then, he's weathered multiple team rebrandings—from NIO 333 to ERT, and now to Cupra Kiro—while steadily building a reputation as a driver who can deliver when it counts. This season has been his breakout campaign, highlighted by a maiden victory in Jakarta and a podium finish in Tokyo. Yet, as rivals finalize their Gen4 preparations and complete initial tests in the new machinery, Ticktum finds himself in limbo, with no contract beyond August's season finale in London.
"I have no idea about my plans for Gen4. I don't have a contract," Ticktum told Motorsport.com. "I've spoken to the team a little bit, but I've got no idea. Let's see, hopefully something good comes up." His frustration is palpable, especially given his on-track performances. "I like to think that people know by now that I'm one of the fastest on the grid. People just seem to think I'm too much of a risk for them, but I wish people would just get to know me a bit first."
The timing couldn't be more critical. Cupra Kiro's recent switch from an independent manufacturer to a Porsche customer team has transformed its fortunes, making it a more attractive prospect for drivers. The squad is expected to continue its partnership with Porsche into the Gen4 era, which would provide a competitive edge. However, the team has also faced its share of heartbreak—most recently at the Berlin E-Prix, where an electrical issue robbed Ticktum of a potential podium after his Pit Boost stop.
When asked about staying with Cupra Kiro next season, Ticktum didn't hesitate: "Yeah, I've really enjoyed my time here. The team has grown a lot, and I feel like we're just scratching the surface of what we can achieve together." But with time running out and the Gen4 era looming, the clock is ticking for Ticktum to prove that his speed—not his reputation—should define his future.