George Russell was left frustrated after a late clash with Max Verstappen at the Spanish GP, leading to one of the most talked about moments of the weekend, and the Mercedes driver dragged Formula E racer Dan Ticktum into it. Verstappen had been instructed to give the position back after completing an illegal overtake. Rather than handing it over cleanly, he slowed heavily into Turn 1 and collided with Russell.
Russell criticised the move immediately and questioned whether it was intentional, and in a post-race interview, he was asked if any other driver in the world alongside Max Verstappen would do something similar, and he declared Dan Ticktum as one without directly mentioning his name.
“Not in Formula 1, maybe in Formula E. Maybe one British driver in Formula E, but Max is one of the best in the world. It would be intriguing to know what he was thinking.”
The comment quickly spread across social media. Although Russell didn’t mention a name, many interpreted the remark as a reference to Dan Ticktum.
Ticktum replies after hearing the comment online
Not long after the race, Ticktum responded with a short video message posted to Instagram. He recorded it on his way back to the hotel after a team dinner in Shanghai with Porsche.
“Good evening, sports fans. I hope you’re all having a lovely Sunday. I’ve just had a very nice evening with the team and some of the guys from Porsche here in Shanghai.
“I’m just on the way back to the hotel. It has come to my attention via the Twittersphere that a certain driver in Formula One, not to name names, but his name is George Russell, has made some rather choice comments about a certain Formula E driver. He hasn’t named my name, but it’s quite obviously pointed at me.
“Number one, thank you for the free publicity. We’ll take that any day of the week. And two, while what Max did today was a little bit sceptical, to be likened to him at any point in my career, it’s positive, if you ask me. Goodbye.”
Ticktum didn’t confirm anything directly, but made it clear he had seen the comments and was aware of what was being suggested. His response was calm but pointed.
The past that continues to follow Ticktum
Dan Ticktum remains associated with a moment that defined the early part of his racing career. In 2015 he received a two year ban after overtaking several cars under Safety Car conditions and intentionally crashing into a rival at Silverstone.
The move was described by officials as disturbing and dangerous. One year of the ban was suspended, but the impact on his reputation has lasted much longer.
Ticktum now races in Formula E with Porsche and has stayed out of major headlines in recent seasons. Even so, moments like this one show how quickly his past returns to the conversation when Formula One drivers bring his name into play.
Russell keeps the focus on Verstappen
Russell made it clear he wasn’t happy with how the Spanish GP ended. After a late clash with Max Verstappen, he showed clear frustration and didn’t hold back when asked if any other driver would have made the same move.
The mention of a British Formula E driver brought Ticktum into the conversation, but the real focus stays on Verstappen. He’s now sitting on eleven penalty points, just one away from a race ban.
With the Canadian GP coming up, all eyes will be on whether the tension carries over — and if Verstappen can avoid crossing the line again.
