Rising star Deagen Fairclough sets remarkable record in British F4

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Deagen Fairclough's 2024 British F4 championship campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary.

With 14 wins in a single season, the young Briton not only won the title, racing with Hitech Pulse-Eight, he also surpassed any previous achievements in the series.

Yet Fairclough's journey through the junior ranks of motorsport has been anything but easy. Despite financial constraints, he persevered, starting his racing career in the less prestigious Junior Saloon Car Championship.

His talent was recognized through a Sim Racing competition, earning him a fully-funded seat in British F4 in 2023. In his rookie season, he impressed with three victories.

Building on his success, Fairclough dominated the 2024 season, securing the championship title with rounds to spare.

The 18-year-old's remarkable accomplishments highlight his exceptional talent and dedication, positioning him as a promising prospect for future motorsport endeavors.

“People say, 'do you see yourself winning the championship in F1? 'Do you see yourself holding that trophy?' – I do,” he said after winning his F4 title, quoted by RaceFans.

“I constantly think about trying to make it to F1. It has helped, obviously, this season – getting that British F4 championship title. Like the likes of Lando Norris, he's obviously made it to F1. Oscar Piastri has been in British F4 -there's so many F1 drivers.

“So now I'm on that ladder, I'm in the region of where drivers have made it to F1. Obviously they've got that financial backing. It kind of gives you that extra motivation and push that you can do it.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.