Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
George Russell launches fully funded karting academy at Silverstone
George Russell has launched a karting academy at Silverstone to help young drivers develop in motorsport.
The GR63 Karting Academy is open to boys and girls aged eight and nine who are citizens of a Commonwealth country.
The programme aims to reduce the cost barrier that can stop talented children from entering racing.
Qualifying sessions run from December 6 to 31, 2026, and cost £25; the January 2027 shootout costs £75.
Twenty-five drivers will be chosen for a funded 2027 championship of eight rounds at Silverstone, with participation costs and equipment covered.
Russell will mentor participants, and the programme will finish with a race for the championship’s top five in December 2027.
The overall winner will receive a funded karting season in 2028.
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has launched the GR63 Karting Academy at Silverstone.
The programme aims to give young drivers a route into motorsport and reduce financial barriers.
It is open to boys and girls aged eight and nine, with 25 selected for a fully funded championship in 2027.
The selection process starts with qualifying sessions in December 2026, followed by a shootout for 80 drivers.
The championship winner will receive a fully funded karting season in 2028.
- Who
- George Russell launched the academy for boys and girls aged eight and nine.
- What
- The GR63 Karting Academy will select 25 drivers for a fully funded championship in 2027.
- When
- It begins with qualifying sessions from December 6 to 31, 2026; the championship runs from March to November 2027.
- Where
- Silverstone, including its karting circuit.
- Why
- Russell aims to find young talent and give drivers support and opportunity despite financial barriers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Eligible drivers can take part in arrive-and-drive qualifying sessions at Silverstone.
The 80 fastest qualifying drivers progress to a shootout.
The 25 selected drivers compete in an eight-round championship at Silverstone.
The championship’s top five finishers compete in a final race at Silverstone.
The overall winner receives a fully funded karting season.
- Academy
- GR63 Karting Academy
- Founder
- George Russell
- Location
- Silverstone
- Age eligibility
- Boys and girls aged eight and nine
- Championship places
- 25 drivers in 2027
- Qualifying fee
- £25 per session
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What people are saying
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.
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