From Struggles to Synergy: The Evolution of Dan Ticktum and Kiro Racing in Formula E

Written by Jessica Alfieri, Edited by Gabriel Tsui

Dan Ticktum after Round 9 in Tokyo | Credit: Simon Galloway, LAT Images

In the cut-throat world of Formula E, where top teams are backed by manufacturer giants with millions in resources, underdogs rarely stand out. However, the story of Dan Ticktum and Kiro Racing defies that narrative. It is a journey of resilience, raw talent and two entities that found common ground in adversity and grew stronger together.

A Raw Talent Joins a Rebuilding Team

When Dan Ticktum joined the team in 2022, Kiro was still NIO 333 - a name synonymous with backmarkers and years of technical struggle. Ticktum, a driver known for his controversial past, explosive personality and immense talent, arrived with something to prove. His career in Formula 2 had been marred by inconsistent performances and a reputation with a negative light. For many, Formula E was his final opportunity for redemption.

Kiro, meanwhile, was undergoing a major rebuild. The team, which had once been a championship winning outfit in the early days of Formula E (as China Racing with Nelson Piquet Jr.), had fallen far behind. Years of underfunding, technical limitations and management turnover left them drowning at the back.

Yet both driver and team shared a crucial trait: a chip on their shoulders.

Growing Pains and Shared Frustrations

The early seasons were anything but easy. Ticktum frequently found himself at the rear of the grid, outgunned by opponents with superior machinery. His radio messages became infamous - equal parts honest, frustrated and emotionally charged. But behind the scenes, something important was happening: Ticktum was not just venting, he was investing and, arguably, reinventing himself. He gave feedback, challenged engineers and raised expectations.

The team, long used to simply surviving, rose to the challenge. In Ticktum, they had a driver who, while emotionally volatile, was wholly immersed. In Kiro, Ticktum found an environment that - unlike previous teams - did not demand perfection, giving him space for growth. And the evolution began.

Dan Ticktum and Cupra Kiro celebrating on the podium | Credit: Joe Portlock/LAT Images 

Struggles Turn into Strengths

Despite limited results, there were flashes of potential. Occasional top-ten qualifying performances, strong race starts and aggressive overtakes hinted at what was possible when car and driver were in sync.

In 2024, the team rebranded as Kiro Racing (and later as Cupra Kiro, following a new manufacturer partnership). The momentum shifted. The technical department grew, simulations improved and a technical collaboration with Porsche opened new development pathways.

Then came Tokyo 2025, and there came Ticktum’s first podium and best race finish in Formula E to date.

Tokyo: A Milestone Months in the Making

On 18th May 2025, Dan Ticktum crossed the finish line in third place at the Tokyo E-Prix. For many fans, it came as a surprise. But a closer look reveals it as the culmination of months of hard work and an unrelenting belief in a shared future. Ticktum, visibly emotional, said: “Pretty depressing years finally being worth it.”

The result was not just about silverware - it was symbolic. For Kiro, it marked a return to relevance. For Ticktum, it was the first major reward of a journey defined by perseverance and self-awareness. Any team considering Ticktum knows it is taking a risk. In a championship where every team is also a brand, personality matters as much as performance. 

Ticktum’s outspoken nature and emotional candour are part of his public image - but so too is his honesty. He takes responsibility for his actions and emotions, is realistic in his goals, and his natural competitiveness drives him to reach higher, always.

Looking Ahead

Season eleven has reached its halfway mark, but there is still room for growth. With five races remaining before the conclusion of the championship, it is difficult to predict what surprises the Ticktum-Kiro partnership may still deliver.

One thing is certain: this is no longer the story of a lost talent and a struggling team. It is a narrative of two outliers rising together - through setbacks, hard truths and the slow but steady climb back to the spotlight.