News Summary
- George Russell has launched the GR63 Karting Academy for children aged eight and nine, with qualifying sessions beginning in December 2026.
- Eighty applicants will advance to a shootout, with 25 receiving fully funded places in an eight-round championship at Silverstone in 2027.
- The five leading drivers will compete in a final assessment, with the winner receiving a funded karting season in 2028.
George Russell has launched the GR63 Karting Academy, a new programme designed to give talented children an opportunity to enter competitive motorsport without the financial barriers that often prevent young drivers from progressing. The Mercedes Formula 1 driver announced the initiative on Thursday, November 12, in partnership with Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).
The academy will select 25 children aged eight or nine to compete in a fully funded eight-round karting championship in 2027. The five highest finishers will then enter a final assessment, with one driver receiving a fully funded karting season in 2028.
Russell, who began karting at the age of seven, said the project reflects his ambition to give something back to the sport that helped him reach Formula 1.
How the GR63 Karting Academy works
The programme consists of four stages, beginning with open qualifying sessions at Silverstone in December 2026.
| Stage | Dates | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Open qualifiers | December 6–31, 2026 | 80 drivers advance |
| GR63 Shootout | January 31, 2027 | 25 drivers selected |
| GR63 Championship | March–November 2027 | Eight fully funded rounds |
| Final shootout | December 2027 | Winner earns 2028 scholarship |
The first stage uses an arrive-and-drive format, allowing eligible children to take part without owning a racing kart. Qualifying sessions cost £25 (approximately US$33) each.
The 80 fastest participants will advance to the GR63 Shootout on January 31, when practice sessions and qualifying races will determine the 25 drivers selected for the championship.
Those drivers will receive fully funded places in an eight-round series at Kart Silverstone, using different circuit configurations throughout the season.
The programme will also provide racing equipment, including helmets, overalls, gloves and boots.
The five highest finishers will participate in a final assessment covering lap times, racecraft, physical fitness, talent and media skills. The overall winner will receive funding for a further karting season in 2028.
Russell wants to remove financial barriers from karting
Russell explained that his own experiences shaped the initiative.
“Karting is where it all started for me, and it taught me everything I’ve relied on throughout my career,” the Mercedes driver said.
“I know how hard it is for talented young drivers to get that first opportunity, especially when budgets are tight.”
The British driver added that the academy aims to identify talented children who might otherwise struggle to secure the funding required to compete.
“With the GR63 Karting Academy, I want to give something back by finding those hidden talents and giving them the support and platform they need to reach their potential.”
Karting remains the traditional starting point for aspiring Formula 1 drivers, but the costs of equipment, travel, testing and racing can make progression difficult for families without substantial financial resources.
By funding the championship stage, Russell’s project seeks to reduce those barriers while providing structured competition and development opportunities.
Silverstone and BRDC support the project
The GR63 Academy will operate at Kart Silverstone, with support from the British Racing Drivers’ Club, the organisation that owns the circuit.
David Coulthard, the former Formula 1 driver and current BRDC president, welcomed the initiative.
“The GR63 Academy captures that ethos perfectly, and we are delighted to work with George to support the next generation of drivers here at Silverstone,” Coulthard said.
The programme forms part of a broader trend in which established Formula 1 drivers are becoming involved in developing young talent.
Lando Norris recently launched the LN4 Fusion project, which will compete in junior single-seater championships, including Formula 3. Fernando Alonso has also been involved in driver management, including the career development of Gabriel Bortoleto.
Russell’s initiative differs by focusing on children at the beginning of their karting careers rather than drivers already progressing through single-seater categories.
Who can apply to the GR63 Academy?
The programme is aimed at boys and girls aged eight or nine. Its eligibility requirements include Commonwealth citizenship, making it relevant to families in countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Applicants must attend the initial qualifying sessions at Silverstone between December 6 and 31, 2026.
The first stage costs £25 (approximately US$33) per session. The championship itself is fully funded for the 25 selected participants.
Families can consult the https://www.kart.silverstone.co.uk/gr63-academy for application information, eligibility requirements and booking details.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following developments across Formula 1 and the international junior racing categories.
