Jake Cook

Jake Cook
Born	(1993-06-20) 20 June 1993 Rotherham, England
Died	14 November 2023(2023-11-14) (aged 30)
Occupation	Racing driver
Years active	2008–2013
Known for	Protyre Formula Renault Championship, British Formula Ford Championship

Jake Cook (20 June 1993 – 14 November 2023) was a British racing driver who participated in the Protyre Formula Renault Championship representing Hillspeed. He was related to former British Touring Car Championship competitor Paula Cook, his aunt, and became the inaugural recipient of the MSA Young Driver of the Year accolade in 2010.

2008–2009

Originating from Rotherham, Cook made his competitive debut in 2008 during the Ginetta Junior Winter Championship, where he secured a podium finish in one of three races. The following year, racing full-time for TJ Motorsport in the Ginetta Junior Championship, he achieved several victories including two wins each at Brands Hatch, Snetterton Circuit, and Knockhill Circuit. Although he received a 20-point penalty for driving conduct at Oulton Park, he maintained the championship lead with six events remaining and further extended his advantage following a triumph at Silverstone Circuit. Ultimately, he concluded the season as runner-up, trailing champion Sarah Moore—who made history as the first female series winner—by 16 points. During this period, Cook also enrolled in the Motor Sport AASE programme within the MSA Academy framework.

2010–2011

In the 2010 campaign, Cook competed in the British Formula Ford Championship with Getem Racing, piloting a Mygale SJ07 chassis. His initial podium appearance occurred at Zandvoort Circuit, but financial constraints curtailed his participation, resulting in a ninth-place finish overall. Additionally, he took part in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, advancing to the semi-final stage before retiring on lap one. That year marked his distinction as the first-ever MSA Young Driver of the Year awardee.

Cook returned for the 2011 season with Jamun Racing, initially committing to the Silverstone opener where his top result was seventh place. He remained with Jamun through to the Zandvoort round and ended the year twelfth in the overall standings. Furthermore, he contested two rounds of the Formula Ford EuroCup, achieving his best finish—eighth place—at Zandvoort.

2012–2013

Continuing with Jamun Racing in 2012, Cook competed in British Formula Ford’s inaugural season featuring the new Ford Ecoboost engine. This proved to be his most accomplished Formula Ford campaign, capturing his maiden victory during Brands Hatch’s second round and another win at Donington Park’s finale, culminating in a runner-up position in the championship. Alongside these wins, he earned twelve additional podiums and recorded three fastest laps. He also participated in the Zandvoort round of the 2012 Formula Ford EuroCup season, securing victory in race three.

In 2013, Cook advanced to the Protyre Formula Renault Championship driving for Hillspeed Racing—a squad linked to his family through David Cook, his aunt’s brother and 1996 champion. His debut at Donington Park featured finishes of twelfth and fourth place. Early success followed with three podiums at Snetterton, placing him second in championship standings. Consistent results throughout included two podium finishes at Thruxton and a second place coupled with fastest lap at Silverstone, ultimately leading to a fifth-place finish overall with 292 points. His performance garnered him recognition as a BRDC Rising Star.

After the main season, Cook competed again with Hillspeed in the BRDC Formula 4 Winter Championship, where he won twice at Snetterton and added two further podiums at Brands Hatch, concluding second overall. Subsequently, he was listed among The Checkered Flag’s Top 10 UK Single-Seater drivers for 2013.

Personal life

Jake Cook belonged to a family with strong ties to British motorsport, including his relatives Paula Cook, a former competitor in the British Touring Car Championship; David Cook, who secured the British Formula Renault title; and Derek Cook, who participated in the Shellsport International Series. In 2013, he revealed his goal of reaching Formula 1, naming Ayrton Senna as his inspiration. Additionally, he was an avid supporter of Sheffield Wednesday and pursued an Economics degree at Newcastle University.

In November 2023, at the age of 30, Cook tragically took his own life after facing ongoing mental health challenges. He was a father to two children.

External links

• Profile on Formula Renault