Our record-breaking ROKiT British F4 Champion Deagen Fairclough has won the Motorsport News National Racing Driver of the Year Award.
This prestigious award, voted for by the public, follows Deagen’s dominant 22 podiums, 19 fastest laps and 14 race wins in the 2024 ROKiT British F4 Championship.
Hitech has since promoted Deagen to the 2025 GB3 Championship, where he will continue to benefit from the support of ROKiT on the next step of his rise through the single-seater ranks.
“2024 has been an incredible year for me, one I’ll never forget. To win the British F4 drivers’ title, and set new records, is a dream come true and to now be voted Motorsport News Racing Driver of the Year is unbelievable!” said Fairclough. “None of this would have been possible without the support of ROKiT and its Racing Star programme and, of course, Hitech who have prepared a fantastic car all season and provided the environment for me to be able to perform and develop.” He continued: “I can’t thank ROKiT and Hitech enough for all their help and support so far and, as I step up to GB3 next season, I look forward to rewarding their faith in me on the racetrack.”
“Deagen’s achievements in single-seater career cannot be underestimated,” said Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman of ROKiT. “His performances in British F4 this season have been truly incredible and it is very exciting for Deagen’s success to be rewarded with these prestigious awards, particularly as the Motorsport News Racing Driver of the Year is chosen through a public vote.”
It’s been a busy time for 18-year-old Deagen since his triumphant ROKiT British F4 Championship campaign, having this week completed his simulator experience with the eight-time Formula 1 World Constructors’ Champions Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team at their headquarters in Brackley, UK.
In addition to his simulator experience with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, Deagen also has a year-long coaching programme with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and a Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine post-season test still to come.
Fairclough earned his breakthrough into British F4 after winning the ROKiT Racing Star esports ‘sim-to-circuit’ competition and then went on to claim third place in his first British F4 campaign in 2023, before moving to Hitech GP for 2024 where he achieved a record-breaking 14 wins as he wrapped up the title with five races to spare.
