Formula 1: Williams sign Dan Ticktum as development driver

Williams

Williams sign Dan Ticktum as development driver

The Brit was dropped by Red Bull earlier this year.

Martin Macdonald

Tuesday 17 December 2019 13:30

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Williams have announced the signing of former Red Bull youngster Dan Ticktum as a development driver for 2020, which he will combine with his duties in Formula 2.

The 20-year-old was a member of the Red Bull Junior Team from 2017 to 2019, but was eventually dropped after a disappointing campaign in Super Formula in Japan.

His hopes of a career in Formula 1 have been renewed by Williams, though.

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"It is a privilege to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy, especially given Williams' incredible heritage in our sport," said Ticktum.

"The time in the simulator and experience working with the team will prove invaluable for my development. Being fully integrated into the operations will be a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to assisting wherever I can."

Two-time Macau GP winner ??
European F3 runner-up ?@DanTicktum has enjoyed plenty of success in his career so far ? pic.twitter.com/G3rG3tcDpL
— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) December 17, 2019

The Brit won the Macau Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018, and Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has mentioned those two performances as part of the reason they decided to recruit him.

"I am delighted that Dan, another exciting young British talent, has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy,” she said as part of the announcement this week.

"His ability behind the wheel has been demonstrated with back-to-back successes at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018. Dan's technical expertise will prove invaluable to the team and we are looking forward to helping him grow and develop in 2020."

Ticktum has been no stranger to controversy, however, as in 2015 he received a two-year ban from MSA Formula for deliberately overtaking other competitors during a safety car period before crashing into rival, Ricky Collard.