GB3 driver Deagen Fairclough stepped into Formula One (F1) machinery for the first time last week, completing his prize test with Aston Martin at Silverstone. The 19-year-old earned the opportunity after winning the prestigious Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award in 2024, a prize that has launched the careers of many top-level British drivers.
First taste of Formula One power
Fairclough completed 26 laps of the Grand Prix circuit in the Aston Martin AMR23, the team’s most successful car to date. In 2023, it powered Fernando Alonso to seven podium finishes and demonstrated the competitiveness of Aston Martin on one of motorsport’s biggest stages.
The young Briton’s preparation included a detailed seat fitting session and time in the simulator at the Aston Martin Aramco Technology Campus. Once trackside, he undertook six separate runs, sampling a variety of Pirelli tyre compounds to gradually build confidence and extract performance.
His lap times were notable too — comparable to those achieved in the 2023 British Grand Prix — a clear indication of how quickly he adapted to the unique demands of an F1 car.
Fairclough: “A dream come true”
Reflecting on the experience afterwards, Fairclough spoke of the overwhelming emotions he felt driving an F1 car for the first time, underlining how significant the moment was for him personally and professionally.
“I’m extremely lucky to have the opportunity: it’s a dream come true driving a car that achieved F1 podiums just a couple of years ago. I can’t put it into words: the thrust and capabilities these cars have at high speed is ridiculous.”
He explained that the Aston Martin team had guided him seamlessly through the day, both in preparation and during the test itself. Seeing the effort behind the operation first-hand gave him a new perspective on what it takes to succeed in Formula One.
“I cannot thank the team enough; it was eye-opening from the beginning, seeing the amount of effort that goes into the two cars at the campus, to everyone involved on the day of the track run.”
Fairclough also described how he approached the test determined to make the most of the opportunity, focusing on learning and improving every lap rather than simply enjoying the experience.
“I went out there and gave it my all,” he said, adding, “I wanted to learn what I could and maximise what I got out of it. I was able to go out and perform straightaway because of the experience of the people around me.”
He also revealed that the day had reignited his long-held ambition of reaching F1, something he has dreamt about since childhood.
“I always dreamt of driving a Formula One car since I was four years old, driving it was another level, the sensation of it has really given me the motivation to get to the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Praise from Aston Martin engineers
The Aston Martin team was equally impressed with Fairclough’s maturity. Chief Engineer, F1 Evolution, Gerry Hughes highlighted not just his raw speed but also his composure in tricky conditions, with wind and cold temperatures making the car even harder to handle.
“Deagen handled his time on track especially well in such windy and cold conditions. He was very confident in high-speed areas, it’s impressive for someone who has not spent any time in a Formula One car.”
Hughes explained that the focus was not solely on outright pace but also on refining technique, particularly in slower corners where precision is key. The engineering team built on the work already completed in the simulator to help Fairclough make tangible improvements on track.
“We focused on helping him optimise his lap time with low-speed technique, something we continued from his time in the sim at the AMRTC.”
In closing, Hughes emphasised that the experience would serve as a valuable foundation for Fairclough’s future career, offering lessons he can apply in every category he races in from here on.
“He’s had some great experience in a Formula One car and now has some miles under him; he can now build on this in his future career and carry that experience and learning onwards.”
A step towards the pinnacle of single-seater racing
For Fairclough, the Silverstone test was more than just a prize outing. It represented proof of his ability to handle the most advanced cars in motorsport and provided invaluable insight into the standards required at the top level. As he continues his GB3 campaign and develops further, the knowledge gained with Aston Martin may prove decisive in helping him reach his long-term ambition: a permanent place on the F1 grid.
