George Russell launches GR63 Karting Academy at Silverstone to find the stars of tomorrow

Formula 1 driver George Russell has launched the GR63 Karting Academy, his official high-performance karting programme created to identify, develop and accelerate the next generation of motorsport talent. Based at Kart Silverstone, the Academy brings together a British Formula 1 driver and the Home of British Motorsport to discover and nurture exceptional young drivers from across the UK.

The Academy is open to boys and girls aged 8–9 and is designed to make karting accessible to talented youngsters whose families may not have the budget required to progress through the sport. Costs for the first two stages are kept to a minimum to encourage as many eligible children as possible to compete for a spot.  From the championship onwards everything is fully funded, giving 25 young drivers an opportunity many would not otherwise have.

A FOUR STAGE PATH TO THE TOP

Stage 1

Arrive and Drive Qualifiers (6–31 December 2026) An open-access format inviting every eligible young driver to Silverstone for their chance to earn a place in the Academy. The best 80 drivers will progress to stage two.

Stage 2

GR63 Shootout (Sunday 31 January 2027) The 80 qualifiers will compete for just 25 places in the GR63 Championship.  During the course of the day drivers will participate in practice sessions and various qualifying races to determine the final 25.
 

Stage 3

GR63 Championship (March–November 2027) An eight-round championship at Kart Silverstone, with each round taking place on a different circuit configuration. The championship is fully funded for all 25 drivers, and each will receive a full set of GR63 Academy kit, including overalls, helmet, gloves and boots.

Stage 4

Top 5 Weekend Shootout (December 2027) The top five championship finishers will go head-to-head at Silverstone in a final assessment covering the pillars required of a world class motorsport driver: talent, lap times, fitness, race craft and media skills. The winner will receive a fully funded karting season in 2028.

George Russell started his own career in karting and has often described it as the foundation of everything that has helped him reach Formula 1. Through the Academy, he will help mentor and guide young drivers at one of the most important stages of their development.

George Russell said: “Karting is where it all started for me, and it taught me everything I've relied on throughout my career. I know how hard it is for talented young drivers to get that first opportunity, especially when budgets are tight. 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. I'm really grateful to Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’ Club for helping make this happen."

David Coulthard, President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), said: “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.”

HOW TO TAKE PART

Arrive and Drive Qualifier sessions run at Silverstone Kart Track from 6 to 31 December 2026 and are priced at £25. To find out more and book a session, visit https://www.kart.silverstone.co.uk/gr63-academy