George Russell launches GR63 karting academy

George Russell has launched the GR63 Academy with Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’ Club, a programme intended to give young karting drivers a funded route into competition. It plans to select 25 participants for an eight-round championship at Silverstone in 2027, with their participation costs covered from that stage onward.

The programme is aimed at children aged eight and nine. Its selection process is scheduled to begin with qualifying sessions at Silverstone Kart Track from December 6 to 31, 2026. The 80 fastest drivers are due to progress to a shootout on January 31, 2027, before 25 are chosen for the championship. Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country, according to the programme’s entry details.

The qualifying sessions will cost £25, and entry to the January shootout will cost £75. Once selected for the championship, drivers will have participation costs covered and receive academy equipment, including racing overalls, a helmet, gloves and boots. The eight rounds are scheduled to run from March to November 2027, with each held on a different Silverstone circuit configuration.

Drivers will be assessed on their racecraft, lap times, fitness and...