As part of ROKiT British F4’s 2024 end of season awards, there was the inaugural presentation of a new and very special award, the Jake Cook Memorial Award.
Jake was a familiar face in the British F4 paddock, having previously raced Ginetta Juniors, Formula Ford and Formula Renault. In 2010 Jake became the first driver to be awarded the MSA’s Young Driver of the Year Award, before generously sharing the skills he had accumulated, from a sport he had loved, as an Academy coach, supporting, amongst others, many drivers on the British F4 grid.
Sadly, Jake passed away in November 2023, having encountered mental health struggles, however his family, led by his wife and British F4 championship manager, Eve Lake-Grange, created this award in order that Jake’s memory lives on and keeps his name alive in motorsport.
The award is unique in British F4, as it is voted on by the Team Managers of the F4 paddock and awarded to a current season British F4 driver who has shown great improvement over the championship season; a driver with determination in adversity and who has demonstrated respect for their closest rivals both on and off track.
The inaugural Jake Cook Memorial Award was presented by Eve Lake-Grange to Martin Molnar, Virtuosi Racing.
Eve said, “I am delighted to present this award, created in Jake’s name and memory, to Martin. He is a very worthy winner, and I am so grateful that their traits have been recognised by the experienced eyes of our British F4 Team Managers.
“I also wanted to use the award creation to shine a light on mental health; my family have been impacted by mental health this past year, not just through Jake, however as a consequence I also had to take some time away earlier in the year to be treated. I am not ashamed of these struggles, and I encourage everyone to keep talking, and remember it is OK to not be OK.
“Jake’s Award is not just a trophy, however with the winner awarded a cheque for £500 that our family will be matching with a £500 donation to the Mind Charity; it’s a charity very close to my heart, who work hard to ensure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem, gets the support and respect that they deserve.
“Jake was many things to us, a husband, father, son, however he was also a racing driver. I am delighted that Martin is recognised today by some of the most experienced personnel in the paddock and really highlighted as a driver to watch for the future”
