Formula 1 driver George Russell has partnered with the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) and Silverstone to launch a new karting academy aimed at making motorsport more accessible and discovering young talent.
GR63 Karting Academy Structure
The newly launched GR63 Karting Academy is open to boys and girls aged eight to nine and is based at the kart track in Silverstone. The initiative features a four-stage pathway designed for competitors who may lack the necessary budget to advance through the sport as costs continue to rise at both grassroots and elite levels.
The program begins in December with an open-access format that invites all eligible drivers to Silverstone, from which 80 participants will be chosen for the second stage. Those 80 drivers will then compete in the GR63 Shootout on January 31 to secure one of 25 spots for an eight-round championship held at Silverstone between March and November 2027.
The championship is fully-funded for every participating driver. In stage four next December, the top five drivers will compete against each other, with the ultimate winner receiving a fully-funded karting campaign for the 2028 season. Entry costs are set at £25 for the opening stage and £75 for the shootout, after which all expenses are fully covered from stage three onward.
Founding Vision and Support
Reflecting on his own journey, Russell noted that karting provided the foundation for everything he relies on in his career. He stated that he understands the difficulty talented youngsters face in securing their initial break when financial resources are limited.
Russell expressed a desire to give back by identifying hidden talents and providing them with the necessary support and platform. He also thanked Silverstone and the BRDC for their assistance in establishing the academy.
BRDC president David Coulthard stated that the organization remains committed to reinvesting in motorsport and developing domestic talent, noting that this dedication has driven Britain’s historical success in the sport. Coulthard added that the academy aligns with this philosophy and expressed pride in collaborating with Russell at Silverstone.
To participate, all drivers must hold citizenship in a Commonwealth country. Bookings for the first stage arrive-and-drive session can be made through the Silverstone website.
