It's been a whirlwind few months for Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum. But that's not such a surprise for a driver who has had a rollercoaster career to this point and is regarded as one of motorsport's most exciting young talents.

He's been blocked from a potential debut Formula 1 test by superlicence rules; has cast doubts over the legitimacy of Formula 3 European Championship rival Mick Schumacher's performance; been scolded by his Red Bull bosses for engaging his mouth before his brain; he's tested a McLaren F1 car as his McLaren Autosport BRDC Award win prize; then won Macau in a manner of dominance not seen for years - on a weekend when he also picked up a fine for being late for an official photoshoot.

Now, Ticktum is set to make his Formula 2 debut in Abu Dhabi this weekend and he's preparing to undertake a Super Formula campaign next year, which should act as the springboard to an F1 race seat with Toro Rosso in 2020 - or possibly even sooner.