Dan Ticktum, once a promising talent on the path to Formula 1, finds himself on the cusp of his fourth season in Formula E, and this time, things feel different. The 25-year-old British driver, who has already carved out a name for himself with two Macau Grand Prix victories, enters the 2024-25 season with renewed optimism after joining the rebranded Kiro Race Co team. Armed with a Porsche powertrain and the backing of new American investors, the team’s future looks far more stable compared to the struggles they faced in previous seasons.
Ticktum’s candor about his career has been a defining trait, often earning him both supporters and critics. His straightforward approach is evident in his comments during pre-season testing in Spain, where he admitted that he felt the most motivated he had in years. This contrasts sharply with his attitude at the start of the 2023 season, when he described pre-season testing as something he "hated" and merely tried to "smile and get through" the campaign. That season, driving for Electric Racing Technologies (ERT), was a tough one, as the team faced financial strain and locked homologation, severely limiting development potential.
Despite his best efforts, Ticktum only secured one points finish—a career-best fourth place in Misano, thanks to a unique energy-saving strategy. His team-mate, Sergio Sette Camara, also struggled, with just three points finishes across the season. ERT finished last in the team standings, a whopping 24 points behind Mahindra. However, things have taken a dramatic turn for the better with the team’s rebranding to Kiro Race Co.
The transformation has come thanks to a significant financial boost from The Forest Road Company, an American investment firm that has injected funds into the team. This investment has allowed Kiro Race Co to not only ensure its survival but also to make a genuine push for improvement. Under the new leadership of team principal Alex Hui, Kiro Race Co now operates under an American licence, and Hui is confident that the team’s future is secure for the long term.
This financial stability marks a dramatic shift from the team’s early years in Formula E. Originally part of the championship’s inception in 2014, the team started as China Racing before rebranding as NEXTEV and securing the first-ever Formula E drivers’ title with Nelson Piquet Jr. Despite the team’s historical highs, financial struggles have always been a theme, with multiple rebrands over the years. However, with new backers and a clear focus on long-term growth, the team is looking to turn a corner.
For Ticktum, the change of environment has been a breath of fresh air. His performance in pre-season testing suggests that the new powertrain, coupled with the influx of resources, has given him a much-needed boost in confidence. The driver’s renewed motivation and the team’s improved financial outlook have made the 2024-25 season a promising one for both Ticktum and Kiro Race Co.
Ticktum’s long-term future with the team looks secure, and he is eager to make the most of his fourth season in Formula E. With a competitive powertrain, an experienced team principal, and stable finances, Kiro Race Co has the tools it needs to challenge the established order in Formula E. For Ticktum, this season presents the perfect opportunity to make a name for himself in the all-electric championship and show that he is ready to take the next step in his career.
