Schumacher rival and Red Bull protegee Ticktum launches scathing attack

Red Bull protegee Dan Ticktum launched an eyebrow-raising verbal assault on social media after control of the European Formula 3 Championship slipped out of his hands and into Mick Schumacher's thanks to "interesting" levels of pace at the Red Bull Ring at the weekend.

The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher opened up a 49-point lead over Ticktum with a pair of wins and a second-place finish in Austria, having whitewashed the previous event at the Nurburgring.

His astonishing form, which includes five consecutive race wins, has raised calls for Formula 1 teams to take note, and Schumacher has been linked to a Toro Rosso seat that Red Bull are reportedly more keen to fill with Ticktum in 2019.

Schumacher is already eligible for a super licence, but Ticktum is not and may have to enter series in the early months of 2019 in order to accrue enough points in order to make it onto the F1 grid.

Missing out on the F3 title will cost Ticktum more points but his response on social media could be even more harmful – including calling a fan a "moron" and "a nobody" as he fielded criticism for his initial post.

In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Ticktum wrote: "Not ideal is the best way I can describe the weekend here in Austria.

"I don’t like pointing fingers at anyone but to be honest, this weekend the pace in the car was not there. Set up mainly, as in the last race when we got the car better, we were pretty quick climbing from 7th to 4th.

"However compared to the top 2 no one on this grid had a chance. Even their other team mates who are good drivers were nowhere compared to them. Interesting is how I would describe their pace and I am confident many people in the f3 paddock will agree.

"I did the best possible as I always endeavour to do! Thank you to the team as always for their hard work. It’s not over until it’s over and I’ll make sure I arrive at the last round in the best shape I can."

In further comments, Ticktum added: "I’ve been robbed of a championship whether it’s my fault or not that’s why I’m upset."

He also posted: "To all people who have left negative comments on here... this is the one and only response you will get from me, so enjoy it.... I’m not a sore loser. Neither am I salty.

"I have a huge respect for Mick who had dealt with a lot in the past few years. I am simply suggesting that it seems to have come from nowhere? I never said it was illegal.

"I appreciate I have lessons to learn still! I’m not denying that. You don’t know the real story because you are not at the track looking at everyone’s data.

"Unfortunately however I am fighting a losing battle as my last name is not Schumacher."