Dan Ticktum admits pre-conceived notions about his personality are still affecting his Formula E future, as he remains without a contract for the series’ upcoming Gen4 era.
After joining the all-electric championship in 2022 with backmarkers NIO 333, Ticktum has gradually established himself as one of the grid’s standout performers, with a breakthrough 2024-25 season yielding a maiden win in Jakarta and a further podium in Tokyo.
However, Ticktum’s outspoken personality and past controversies have continued to follow him throughout his career. Most notably, he received a two-year ban from the MSA in 2015 for deliberately crashing into another driver under safety car conditions.
As several of his rivals have already begun preparations for next season and completed their first tests in the Gen4 car, Ticktum remains out of contract and has no firm plans beyond August’s London finale.
The 26-year-old feels teams remain hesitant to give him an opportunity, despite some impressive performances over the last four-and-a-half years.
“I’ve no idea [about my plans for Gen4]. I don't have a contract,” he told Motorsport.com. “[I have spoken to the team] a little bit, but I've got no idea. Let's see, hopefully something good comes up.
“I like to think that the 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.”
Since arriving in Formula E, Ticktum has remained with the same Silverstone-based team through its various guises. What was then the NIO 333 team evolved into ERT, before being rebranded as Cupra Kiro in 2025 following its acquisition by The Forest Road Company.
The switch from an independent manufacturer to a Porsche customer last season transformed its fortunes, with Ticktum emerging as the clear leader within the team.
Cupra Kiro is expected to extend its relationship with Porsche into Formula E’s next era, making it an attractive option for drivers.
But the squad has also struggled at times to convert its race pace into top results. Most recently at last weekend’s Berlin E-Prix, Ticktum was denied a potential podium result when an electrical issue struck his car shortly after his Pit Boost stop.
Asked whether he would like to remain at Cupra Kiro next season, the Briton said: “Yeah, I've really enjoyed it with the team.
“If things go well for next year, in terms of the Porsche powertrain and stuff, then yeah, it would be a very good place to be.
“I don't necessarily want to leave, but if an option comes, a team where I can win races all the time, [I would take it]. I'm getting fed up with not being able to prove my potential now.
“I want to win and I want to be somewhere where I can win. It might be with Kiro, it might not be.”
He added: “If it happens, I'll do my best to try and get a job somewhere, obviously, which is the right money and a good contract. I'll absolutely try my best, but if I don't, there's not much I can do.”
Asked if he had spoken to any other teams, he said: “No, not really. A little bit, but not a lot.”
