Russell launches GR63 karting academy with Silverstone

Mercedes driver George Russell has launched the GR63 Karting Academy, created in collaboration with the Silverstone circuit to identify and develop emerging motorsport talent. Russell said the scheme aims to help break down the financial barriers facing young drivers, and it is open to boys and girls aged eight and nine.

The process is split into four stages, beginning with open-access arrive-and-drive qualifiers at Silverstone throughout December. The best 80 drivers progress to the GR63 shootout in January 2027, and Russell will personally identify the best 25 to compete in the fully funded GR63 Championship, an eight-round season run at Kart Silverstone between March and November.

The top five drivers in that championship will face a final assessment in December 2027, with the winner receiving a fully funded karting season in 2028. The launch follows Lando Norris's LN4 Legacy Programme, announced in September.