Key Highlights
- George Russell has teased an announcement connected to karting for 12 November.
- The Mercedes driver’s Instagram video features his early racing career and a new account named “gr63academy”.
- Russell finished fourth at the Brazilian Grand Prix and is third in the drivers’ standings with 262 points.
George Russell teases karting announcement for 12 November
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has hinted that he will reveal news linked to karting on 12 November. Russell posted a video on Instagram on Monday with the caption “Stay tuned”, using footage of his early racing career to highlight the role karting played in his development.
The video shows Russell racing karts as a boy, including a kart bearing the number 63. Russell continues to use that number in Formula 1. The clip concludes with the date 12.11.26, indicating that further details could be announced on Thursday.
Speaking in the video, Russell explained how his family and early experiences at the racetrack influenced his decision to pursue motorsport.
“Karting was such a huge part of my life. I grew up on the racetrack as my older brother Benjy was a go-kart driver before me, but I started karting properly when I was seven years old,” the 28-year-old said.
“I loved it from the very beginning. I remember the pure adrenaline I got from racing go-karts. I just knew I wanted to be a racing driver.
“Karting taught me the fundamentals of racing and refined me into the driver that I am right now. Dreams don’t just happen overnight, but with hard work, dedication and the right opportunity, there’s a chance for everybody. Now it’s time to give back to a sport that gave me so much.”
New “gr63academy” account fuels karting team speculation
Russell has not yet provided further information about the project. However, several fans responding to the Instagram post questioned whether the Briton could be preparing to announce a karting team. The video was shared in collaboration with a new Instagram account called “gr63academy”, adding to speculation that Russell’s plans may involve a dedicated karting initiative.
The teaser follows a mixed weekend for Russell at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Mercedes secured the constructors’ championship, but Russell was frustrated after missing out on pole position and a podium finish. A five-place grid penalty meant he started the race from seventh place, before recovering to finish fourth at Interlagos.
George Russell’s position in the drivers’ standings
Russell currently occupies third place in the drivers’ championship with 262 points. Max Verstappen is second on 279 points, while Lewis Hamilton is fourth with 261 points and Charles Leclerc is fifth with 249 points.
Why This Matters
Russell’s teaser connects his current Formula 1 career with the karting foundation that shaped his development as a driver. Although the exact nature of the announcement remains unconfirmed, the involvement of the “gr63academy” account suggests that the project could focus on giving back to karting, a discipline Russell described as central to his progression in motorsport. Further details are expected on 12 November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has George Russell teased?
George Russell has teased an announcement linked to karting, with the video pointing to 12 November.
What is “gr63academy”?
“gr63academy” is a new Instagram account that shared the teaser in collaboration with Russell. Its purpose has not yet been officially confirmed.
How did George Russell finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix?
Russell finished fourth at Interlagos after starting seventh because of a five-place grid penalty.
