Former Red Bull F1 junior driver Dan Ticktum has insisted that he requires a "break" from bad luck, dating back several years in the Cupra Kiro Formula E driver's eyes.
Friday evening's opening race of the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit featured the return of pit stops to FE after seven years away.
This time, however, it featured a 10% recharge of a car's energy, known to the audience as 'Pit Boost'.
Most drivers used the technology successfully, but the same could not be said for Ticktum. The Briton was forced to switch his car off and then back on prior to the charger being connected, costing him a probable points finish.
Ticktum was furious, and pinned the issue as the latest episode of an onslaught of bad luck dating back to when he missed out on a super licence.
"We have a [good] package now," Ticktum told RacingNews365.
"It's just, I can't seem to catch a break ever since 2018 and [not getting] the super licence, not getting to Formula 1, then four years at the back of Formula E.
"I can't remember the last time where I finished the day at the racetrack and thought, 'Yeah, that's gone well, I've had good luck today'. So I need a break."
Pit Boost axe call
Based on the initial inspection conducted by the team, the customer Porsche outfit believes it is an issue related to the battery.
The frustration for Ticktum is pitting cost the driver points, leading to him calling for the revolutionary pit stops to be axed until faults are non-existent.
It was initially meant to be introduced two years ago but faced several delays, due to issues with the technology.
"It's not confirmed but we think it's a battery issue," revealed Ticktum. "So there's nothing that the team have done wrong, nothing I've done wrong. It's a battery issue.
"I think it just happened to me, maybe one other car, I'm not sure. But if those issues are happening for people... I don't know if it's something to do with the Porsche powertrain or just the battery in general. No idea.
"But, if this [Pit Boost] isn't 100% ready, and people are going to run into faults where it ruins their race, like this, then get rid of it quite frankly. Just a shame, out of everyone's control."
Also interesting:
In this special episode of the RacingNews365 podcast, Ian Parkes and Nick Golding are joined by nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen! Max Verstappen becoming a father and Lando Norris being the title favourite is discussed, as is who could partner Max at Le Mans!
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
The famous RN365 calendar download is back! Add the 2025 F1 calendar to your schedule with one click and don't miss a second of the new F1 season.
Download the F1 calendarMost read
Join the conversation!