Key Highlights
- George Russell is launching the GR63 Academy to identify young karting talent and support future motorsport careers.
- Open-access qualifiers at Silverstone in December will lead to a January shoot-out, with 25 drivers selected for the 2027 championship.
- The winner of the fully funded programme will receive a karting season in 2028.
George Russell launches GR63 Academy for young karting drivers
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has announced the creation of the GR63 Academy, a new initiative designed to find “hidden stars” in karting and provide them with the support required to progress in motorsport. The academy will officially launch in 2027 and is intended to create a more accessible route into competitive karting for young drivers.
Russell has credited karting with teaching him “the fundamentals of racing” and helping shape him into the competitor he is today. He has also expressed his ambition to “give back to a sport that gave me so much” by helping talented children who may struggle to secure opportunities because of financial pressures.
How the GR63 Academy selection process will work
The programme will begin with Arrive & Drive Qualifiers at Silverstone in December. Children aged eight or nine will be able to enter for £25 per qualifying session, with the 80 fastest drivers progressing to a shoot-out scheduled for the end of January.
From that shoot-out, 25 young drivers will be selected for the GR63 Championship in 2027. The fully funded series will consist of eight rounds held on different circuit configurations at Kart Silverstone, giving the selected competitors structured race experience and access to Russell’s programme.
The participants will receive a full set of Russell’s signature vibrant blue kit. They will compete for places in the top five, which will secure progression to a final shoot-out. The remaining drivers will then be assessed on “talent, lap times, fitness, race craft and media skills”. The overall winner will receive a fully funded karting season in 2028.
George Russell outlines the academy’s aims
Russell announced the project on social media and said the academy was intended to address the difficulty many young drivers face when trying to obtain their first opportunity in motorsport.
“So proud to introduce you all to the GR63 Academy,” Russell shared on social media. “Karting is where it all started for me and has played a crucial role in my career. I also know how hard it is for talented young drivers to get that first opportunity, especially when budgets are tight.“With the GR63 Academy, I want to give something back to my sport by finding those hidden stars and giving them the support and guidance they need to reach their potential.
“Following the first two rounds at Silverstone, I’ll identify 25 kids to take part in the GR63 Academy in 2027. Thank you to Silverstone and the BRDC for helping make this happen.”Advertisement
The initiative is being supported by Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’ Club, known as the BRDC. Russell believes the academy could help uncover the next generation of Formula 1 talent by widening access to high-level karting competition and reducing some of the financial barriers faced by aspiring drivers.
BRDC backs the GR63 Academy
David Coulthard, President of the BRDC, said the organisation’s involvement reflected its wider commitment to reinvesting in motorsport and developing British drivers.
“As owners of Silverstone and guardians of British motorsport, the BRDC has always been committed to reinvesting in the sport and nurturing home-grown talent.
“That commitment has played a big part in Britain’s long record of success in motorsport, and it is a great source of pride for the Club and its Members.
“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.”
Why This Matters
Competitive karting is an important early stage in the development of many professional racing drivers, but the cost of equipment, track time and competition can make entry difficult for families. The GR63 Academy is structured to identify drivers through open-access qualifiers before offering a fully funded championship to 25 selected children.
The programme does not guarantee a route to Formula 1, but it will provide its participants with organised racing, assessment and guidance at Silverstone. Its first major milestones will be the December qualifiers, the January shoot-out and the selection of the 2027 GR63 Championship field.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the GR63 Academy begin?
The GR63 Academy will officially launch with its 2027 championship. Open-access qualifying sessions will begin at Silverstone in December, followed by a shoot-out at the end of January.
Who can enter the GR63 Academy qualifiers?
Children aged eight or nine can take part in the Arrive & Drive Qualifiers. Each qualifying session costs £25.
What does the winner receive?
The winner of the final assessment will receive a fully funded karting season in 2028.
