Ex-junior Red Bull and Williams puts F1 out of mind: 'These are my options'

Daniel Ticktum is a talented driver, but the 22-year-old has been in the news more often for stupidity than sensational performance in recent years. The Brit was part of Red Bull Racing's and Williams' junior programmes, but was turned away by both. Formula 1 no longer seems to be a realistic dream.

Ticktum was still under contract to Williams in 2021, but that commitment was suddenly torn up. That had nothing to do with the sporting achievements, because in Formula 2 Ticktum is still doing well with a P4 in the standings. The difference with number two Guan Yu Zhou is only thirteen points.

Ticktum had a bit of bad luck too

"Over the past few weeks I've come to accept that I'm not going to reach my goal. I don't want to be dejected, but it's depressing," he acknowledged to Motorsport. com and others. In 2018, Helmut Marko was keen for Ticktum to test in a Red Bull car in Hungary, but at the time he was a few points short of that to actually be allowed to participate. "The super license bothered me a few years back."

That he could have handled some things better in the past, Ticktum does not deny. "I've done some stupid things over time and I don't know where I'm going to end up. I've always said I'll leave and do something else if I don't make it to Formula 1, but without being arrogant I think I have too much to offer behind the wheel. I have some options, but it's not the best time."

Opportunities outside F1

Spots are scarce in Formula 1 and there don't seem to be many options for Ticktum for 2023 either, as he is no longer linked to any team. "I can't really say anything, but anyone with half a brain will know it's IndyCar, DTM, another year of F2 or maybe Formula E. Those will be the options, so that's what I'll be looking at as well," he concluded.