Dan Ticktum backs Max Verstappen over F1 battery issues: “This is why he has to go and do GT racing”

Dan Ticktum is the latest Formula E driver to speak out in defence of Max Verstappen while criticising the use of batteries in modern F1 hybrid cars. The Cupra Kiro driver spoke to the media after finishing fourth at the Madrid E-Prix. The Formula E driver described pre-race battery charging in F1 as “rubbish” and explained why Verstappen has shown increasing interest in GT racing.

Dan Ticktum agrees with Max Verstappen on new F1 cars

At the Madrid E-Prix, Dan Ticktum did not hold back while discussing the current F1 regulations. He told talkSPORT, “Run out of battery halfway down a straight, they have to charge the battery before they start - it’s just rubbish, it’s absolute rubbish.”

Commenting on Max Verstappen’s vocal criticism of the new F1 cars, Ticktum added, “I’m a BTEC version of him unfortunately in this sport, but he says what he thinks, whether it’s right or wrong. I have to say I agree with a lot of what he says, certainly on some points in F1, which is why he has to go off and do GT racing, so he can actually enjoy racing. Not everyone will say it, but everyone’s thinking what I’m thinking.”

When asked by a fan whether he would also move into GT racing, Ticktum replied: “Hopefully very soon.”

Responding to another fan comment that read, “Nothing about F1 is eco-friendly… just accept it and run some V10s” — Ticktum said: “Correct. V8s produced 250 tonnes of CO2 a year. Current engines 150 tonnes. Sounds good. Then you learn air freight alone is 250,000 tonnes. So they sacrifice the sport for less than 1% of the total emissions. Just utter bollocks.”

Many fans echoed his views. “Dan is for the people and we love it,” wrote one. “Always love Dan… talking facts,” said another. A third fan added: “I hate the new regulations. Dan Ticktum is spot on.” Another comment read: “GT racing and prototypes are far more exciting than F1.”

Dan Ticktum on finishing fourth at Madrid E-Prix

After topping the free practice sessions, Dan Ticktum battled closely with Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans and Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein in the race but narrowly missed out on a podium finish, crossing the line in fourth place.

He took the result in stride and wrote on Instagram: “P4 in Madrid! Good job from everyone at @kiroraceco. A great event. Thank you to all the fans who came out - it was a really good showing and a great event for the sport. Well done to all at @fiaformulae and @cupra_official who made it happen.”

Also read: Antonio Felix da Costa handled family arrangements himself for Madrid E-Prix: “I’m glad it paid off”