Making music, playing Call of Duty and listening to Bob Dylan: Getting to know the real Dan Ticktum

A colourful character off the track, Dan Ticktum is putting a title charge together on it this season, currently sitting fifth after three rounds with three podiums, including one win.

We spoke with the Williams junior to get an insight into the man behind the visor, from making music to playing Call of Duty and listening to Bob Dylan, Ticktum reveals all.

WHERE DO YOU CONSIDER HOME?

“I was born in London, and I spent the first five years of my life in London. Although I cannot remember many of those earlier memories, I really enjoyed it to be honest. I remember that I enjoyed visiting Harrods - I do remember that. Going around Hyde Park as well.

“We had a house there for a while but always planned to move out into the country, which we did when I was five. I also lived in Milton Keynes when I was with Red Bull and I am now have a flat by myself in Guildford.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING A RACING DRIVER?

“The fact that it is different and the fact that I do a sport for a living. I don't have to sit at a desk and I am able to follow my passion.”

IF YOU WEREN’T A DRIVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

“I am not sure, maybe I would make music, which I used to do a lot when I was younger. I would consider doing that: producing music, writing beats. I think that I would enjoy that lifestyle. I don't really know for sure though, I would have to see where life took me. I think that I could probably get into property and do some things with my dad too.

“I play piano and the drums and I used to sing when I was younger. I could make music if I needed too. I might start doing it again anyway - we'll see.”

HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM THE TRACK?

“I play a lot of Call of Duty, but I think a lot of people would dispute whether that relaxes me or not. I spend a lot of time in the gym and with my mates. I wouldn’t say that there is one particular thing that I do to relax... I have a pretty relaxed life to be honest, I am quite lucky.”

WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND ON THE F2 GRID?

“I wouldn’t say that I've got any incredible mates here that I would go and have a beer with because we've always all lived so far apart from each other, which means that you never really have a chance to do that.

“I get on very well with my teammate Jehan (Daruvala), I like Christian (Lundgaard) and Jüri (Vips). I haven't got any enemies, which is the good thing. I get on with everyone, there is no bad blood anywhere.”

WHAT MEAL WOULD YOU COOK TO IMPRESS SOMEONE?

“Depends what the person likes... I am quite good at a few pasta dishes, and they are easy, so probably something pasta related.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

“That’s a tough one because I’ve got a few. I like Snatch a lot, that's a great film. I am Legend is great, Full Metal Jacket, Hacksaw Ridge and Hateful Eight are also all very good. If I really thought about it and wrote them down, there would be a few.”

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICAL ARTIST?

“My favourite artist ever is probably Bob Dylan, I do like a bit of Bob. I love Eminem, I think he’s brilliant. I like a lot of the old-school hip-hop artists, but Dr Dre and Eminem in particular.”

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

“I am not easily inspired by one particular person. There are acts of inspiration that certain people do, more so than one particular person who has inspired me. One person who I think is very cool is Connor McGregor. He has got some swag.

“I might have to copy his three-piece suit idea if I ever get into F1. I couldn't show off that much yet, I couldn't get away with it, I haven't done enough to earn it or back it up. Maybe in F1 one day, if I am successful enough to back it up...”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

“Probably my road car. Every time I get in it, I am happy to get in it. It is a BMW M4. It’s a great car, I love it.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RACING MEMORY?

“Macau 2018, the race that I dominated, that's my favourite. Another was a race at Norisring, where I had a massive shunt and stalled on the grid. The car had to be completely rebuilt in two and a half, three hours and I had only been out of the hospital for 20 minutes, but I jumped back in the car for the next race and won. That was a special weekend.”

WHERE WOULD YOU VISIT IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD?

“I genuinely haven't been on holiday in years. I like being at home. I haven't been to the Maldives, but I would like to go there and just sit and do nothing for two weeks. Not looking at my phone, not doing any work, just sitting and attempting to get a tan - actually try and do some relaxing… As I said earlier, I don’t do much!

“Or, maybe somewhere that I can ski, as I love skiing.”