Young drivers aged 8–9 are being given the chance to follow in the Formula 1 star’s footsteps, with 25 places available in a fully funded karting championship at Silverstone in 2027.
Formula 1 driver George Russell is launching the GR63 Karting Academy, an exciting new initiative designed to discover, develop and support the next generation of motorsport talent.
Based at Kart Silverstone, the official high-performance karting programme will give talented young drivers from across the UK the opportunity to take their first steps towards a career in motorsport, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Open to boys and girls aged 8–9, the Academy aims to make competitive karting more accessible by keeping the initial entry stages affordable. From the championship onwards, all costs will be covered, giving 25 young drivers the opportunity to compete in a fully funded eight-round championship at the Home of British Motorsport.
Four stages to a racing future
The GR63 Karting Academy will follow a four-stage selection and development programme, culminating in the opportunity for one young driver to secure a fully funded karting season in 2028.
Stage 1 – Arrive and Drive Qualifiers (6–31 December 2026)
The first stage is open to all eligible young drivers, who can book an Arrive and Drive session at Silverstone for their chance to progress. The 80 strongest drivers will earn a place in the next round.
Stage 2 – GR63 Shootout (Sunday 31 January 2027)
The 80 successful qualifiers will return to Silverstone to compete for one of just 25 places in the GR63 Championship. The shootout will include practice sessions and a series of qualifying races to determine the final line-up.
Stage 3 – GR63 Championship (March–November 2027)
The 25 selected drivers will take part in an eight-round championship at Kart Silverstone, with each round featuring a different circuit configuration.
The championship will be fully funded, and every driver will receive a complete GR63 Academy kit, including racing overalls, helmet, gloves and boots.
Stage 4 – Top 5 Weekend Shootout (December 2027)
The top five championship finishers will face a final assessment at Silverstone, testing the key skills needed to become a world-class motorsport driver. These include natural talent, lap times, fitness, race craft and media skills.
One overall winner will be awarded a fully funded karting season for 2028.
George Russell’s mission to support young talent
Having started his own racing journey in karting, George Russell understands how important those early opportunities can be. He has often credited karting as the foundation of his journey to Formula 1 and hopes the Academy will help talented youngsters overcome some of the financial barriers associated with the sport.
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), added: “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 enter the GR63 Karting Academy
The first Arrive and Drive qualifying sessions will take place at Silverstone Kart Track between 6 and 31 December 2026.
Sessions cost £25, giving eligible children aged 8–9 the chance to compete for a place in the Academy.
To find out more and book a qualifying session, visit the Silverstone website.
