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Team principal Claire Williams has praised Dan Ticktum, one of Williams' newest recruits, after good feedback from his time using the team's simulator.
Despite back-to-back victories for Ticktum at the Macau Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018, Ticktum was dropped by the Red Bull Junior Team at the start of 2019, before joining the Williams team.
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Williams stated that she has heard only positive feedback from people she has asked about Ticktum's ability in the simulator, and says that she is very excited to work with the British driver in the future.
“I am looking forward to working with him, and the team is as I know when we put him in our simulator the guys said he’s one of the best drivers they’ve ever seen,” Williams told Autosport.
“I think he’s got great talent, and I think it needs harnessing. We have experience doing that. He knows what’s expected of him and how he needs to behave."
Williams is confident Ticktum has 'matured a lot'
It is understood that Ticktum is to be a driver development role for the coming season alongside 2019 W Series champion Jamie Chadwick as it was recently announced that Roy Nissany will be in the test and reserve driver role for 2020.
Despite Ticktum's controversial past, Williams is confident that Tinktum has changed for the better and that he can contribute to the team as it looks to move up the grid in the coming seasons.
“I think with the experiences that he’s had now, he’s matured a lot, and is willing to get his head down and just do the job that we’re asking him to do so,” Williams added.
“I think he will be one to watch: a great British talent that shouldn’t be lost in our sport for whatever reason.”
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Replies (7)
Login to replyf1dave
Posts: 782
Wow, she sure can pick them.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Claire needs to get the f.... out of that role. As Martin Brundle said, she should give herself some executive role, an office job. Nepotism is rampant at Williams so she could get herself any job, probably paying herself more. But for heaven's sake, let a real manager take over the day-to-day with the team. Should should have been fired at least 3 years ago
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Totally agree, but doubt she will. Brundle probably speaking out to send a message to senior management at Williams.
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
Please do not forget Frank lost his Williams team back in 70s, then he established a new one... so maybe wants to do the same :D
xoya
Posts: 583
You can hardly blame a private, family company for nepotism, can you?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@Xoya Williams is as of about 5 years ago a publicly traded company, so yeah... I think we can blame them for Nepotism.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
This as Martin Brundle is publicly calling for her to step down. Like many in F1 her ego is too big to accept that, and it's doubtful that Frank will force her out.