Dan Ticktum handed second Cupra Kiro reprimand after Monaco Formula E review
Cupra Kiro acts after Monaco review
Cupra Kiro has issued Dan Ticktum a second formal reprimand of the Formula E season following an internal review into his conduct after the opening race of the Monaco E-Prix.
Team principal Russell O’Hagan confirmed the action after Ticktum immediately left the circuit in the aftermath of a frustrating race, missing both his post-race debrief and media commitments. The incident came after the British driver was given a 33-second time penalty, converted from a drive-through, for a late collision with Jaguar’s António Félix da Costa while defending third place on the approach to the Nouvelle Chicane.
Da Costa made heavy contact with the inside barrier, and the penalty turned what had been another display of Ticktum’s raw speed into a deeply costly result. Monaco was particularly sharp evidence of his one-lap ability: he started both races from pole position, underlining the pace that has repeatedly put him in position to fight at the front.
The wider Monaco context has produced several post-race flashpoints across top-level single-seater racing, with margins and penalties again proving decisive, as explored in this analysis of how small Monaco penalty margins shaped podium outcomes.
O’Hagan: pace is clear, but standards must hold
O’Hagan stressed that Cupra Kiro remains fully aware of Ticktum’s performance level, while also making clear that frustration cannot override the team’s expectations.
"Dan has performed to a very high level again this season and deserves more than his current points tally reflects," said O’Hagan. "If you look across the opening rounds, there have been several situations where circumstances outside of his control have prevented likely strong results, and based on his outright pace, he could have double to triple the points he currently does."
The Cupra Kiro boss accepted that pressure can accumulate in Formula E’s competitive environment, particularly for a driver operating with Ticktum’s intensity. But after reviewing the season to date, the team identified two priorities: refining its overall approach with Ticktum, and ensuring his frustration is channelled constructively.
"We are incredibly quick over one lap in all sessions, but falling short of our potential in the races, where the points are awarded," O’Hagan added. "There is just no room for imperfections at the sharp end with the type of racing we have in Formula E."
Contract uncertainty adds weight to second half
Ticktum is currently out of contract at the end of the season, leaving his place for the Gen4 era unresolved as things stand. That makes the second half of the campaign significant not only competitively, but professionally.
O’Hagan said Cupra Kiro had reviewed several topics with Ticktum openly since Monaco and would work with him on an improved approach. He also acknowledged the team’s own responsibility to give its driver the platform and support required to perform at his best.
"He is a hugely talented driver and a very important part of the team," O’Hagan said. "We trust that the process we are now in will deliver improvements from him on and off track, and we can have a very strong second half of the season together."
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.