Dan Ticktum hits back at 'unnecessary' George Russell taunt: 'I probably had three or four beers'

Dan Ticktum hit back at George Russell's "unnecessary" taunt directed at him recently in Barcelona, to which a comical immediate response was delivered after "three to four beers".

Following his clash with Max Verstappen in the Spanish Grand Prix, Russell was asked in the media pen post-race if he knew any driver who would carry out a similar move, to which he bizarrely identified Ticktum.

Speaking to select media including RacingNews365 in Barcelona, Russell said: "Maybe in Formula E, yeah, maybe one British driver in Formula E, but Max is one of the best in the world, and yeah, it would be intriguing to know what he was thinking."

At the time of the comment, Ticktum was in Shanghai enjoying an evening with Cupra Kiro, following a positive Shanghai E-Prix double-header where he secured one top-five finish. 

He delivered a comical reply in an Instagram story, which Russell saw and addressed ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. In Canada, Russell noted he did not mean any offence to Ticktum, who he was pleased to see saw the "funny side".

Despite recording a hilarious response in China to Russell's comment, Ticktum revealed that he did question the purpose of the remark, saying in an interview with RacingNews365: "Yeah, I definitely thought, why? 

"Honestly, I've known George for a little while. I've not seen him for years, but I don't believe there was anything malicious really, behind the comments. I just thought it was all a bit unnecessary to make, arguably, a bit of a gibe. 

"Whichever way you're looking at it, it's a bit of a gibe, I just thought it was a bit unnecessary. I respect George massively for where he is in his career. And it's not like I'm trying to take the piss out of him or anything, like he's got to F1, he's successful. 

"He's doing the job. So, yeah, I respect him in that sense. But I just, I didn't really understand that, to be honest."

'I've got no disrespect' for Russell

Social media has often been a love-hate relationship for Ticktum but for reasons outside of his control. During his recent difficult years towards the back of the grid, radio outbursts of his were often plastered across social media, rather than positive moments. 

However, a clear focus has been set on highlighting his strong performances this season, whilst Ticktum has been more active on his own social media accounts, showcasing his true personality in post-race Instagram stories.

When asked if the amount of support he received following Russell's comment was evidence that his image is improving, Ticktum explained: "Yeah, I'm just more active on media, I've been doing these sort of debrief things, where I sort of talk more, and it's unofficial type stuff, it's me doing it myself. 

"I just think, people just seeing more of me. I think when I did that video, I probably had three or four beers, if I'm brutally honest," Ticktum joked, before continuing, "the ones in Monaco I took down, because I'd had probably about 400 beers at that point. 

"But no, I'd had the right amount of beer to sort of speak creatively, if that makes sense. I can't remember who sent me the link [to Russell's comments], I got it there [in Shanghai] as I was walking back to the hotel, I just thought, I'm going to do something here. 

"People said it was done in a funny way, like I said, I've got no disrespect for George in particular. I don't necessarily agree with how he presents himself and his character. It's a bit sort of good boy type character. Yeah, that's fine, that's who he is, and that's absolutely fine. 

'Being likened to Verstappen is definitely a good thing'

The volume of support Ticktum received from supporters was noticeable larger than in the past, a clear sign of his growing fanbase as he continues to propel himself towards the top of FE.

Not only did he receive significant support, Russell was handed much criticism on social media for taunting Ticktum.

Continuing on his growing support, Ticktum said: "Like I say, I respect him massively as a driver, but yeah, the support was good, but I think I was just sort of right, really. So, yeah, I appreciate the support I've been getting this year, and there's still people from years and years ago, who are still supporting me like they were right from day one. 

"So appreciate them sticking with it and sticking with me. But yeah, I just think what I said was right, and sort of make fun of it, really. 

"And obviously, being likened to Verstappen is definitely a good thing. I say to people who ask, 'who's better than you?', and I say, 'I think I could beat anyone, but I'd struggle to beat Verstappen on most days'," Ticktum concluded, whilst laughing.