George Russell launches GR63 Karting Academy at Silverstone to find the stars of tomorrow

• Open to boys and girls aged 8–9
• 25 young drivers identified to compete in an 8 round fully funded Championship at Silverstone in 2027
• Winner of GR63 Academy 2027 earns a fully funded karting season in 2028

The Academy is open to boys and girls aged 8–9 and is designed to make karting accessible to talented youngsters whose families may not have the budget required to progress through the sport. Costs for the first two stages are kept to a minimum to encourage as many eligible children as possible to compete for a spot.  From the championship onwards everything is fully funded, giving 25 young drivers an opportunity many would not otherwise have.

A FOUR STAGE PATH TO THE TOP

Stage 1 – Arrive and Drive Qualifiers (6–31 December 2026) An open-access format inviting every eligible young driver to Silverstone for their chance to earn a place in the Academy. The best 80 drivers will progress to stage two.

Stage 2 – GR63 Shootout (Sunday 31 January 2027) The 80 qualifiers will compete for just 25 places in the GR63 Championship.  During the course of the day drivers will participate in practice sessions and various qualifying races to determine the final 25.

Stage 3 – GR63 Championship (March–November 2027) An eight-round championship at Kart Silverstone, with each round taking place on a different circuit configuration. The championship is fully funded for all 25 drivers, and each will receive a full set of GR63 Academy kit, including overalls, helmet, gloves and boots.

Stage 4 – Top 5 Weekend Shootout (December 2027) The top five championship finishers will go head-to-head at Silverstone in a final assessment covering the pillars required of a world class motorsport driver: talent, lap times, fitness, race craft and media skills. The winner will receive a fully funded karting season in 2028.

George Russell started his own career in karting and has often described it as the foundation of everything that has helped him reach Formula 1. Through the Academy, he will help mentor and guide young drivers at one of the most important stages of their development.

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), said: “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 TAKE PART

Arrive and Drive Qualifier sessions run at Silverstone Kart Track from 6 to 31 December 2026 and are priced at £25. To find out more and book a session, visit the Silverstone website via this link.

FURTHER INFORMATION

2027 GR63 Championship dates (Silverstone Kart Track)

About the GR63 Karting Academy
The GR63 Karting Academy is George Russell’s official high-performance karting programme, based at Kart Silverstone and supported by Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’ Club.  It aims to identify, develop and accelerate the next generation of motorsport talent.

Arrive and Drive Qualifier sessions cost £25, and entry to the GR63 Shootout costs £75. From the GR63 Championship onwards, everything is fully funded.

All drivers must be citizens of a Commonwealth country.

About Silverstone
Silverstone is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and proudly recognised as the Home of British Motorsport. Attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year, the circuit operates 364 days a year as both the promoter of major international events, including the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, MotoGP, CarFest and as a vibrant leisure destination.

With motorsport at its heart, Silverstone offers a diverse year-round calendar of experiences for fans, families, and businesses alike. Visitors can get behind the wheel with Silverstone Drive Experiences, celebrate the festive season with Christmas at Silverstone or enjoy the thrills of an international karting circuit. Beyond the track, Silverstone is home to world-class conference and exhibition facilities, the award-winning Silverstone Museum, and Escapade Hotel, offering unique luxury accommodation & restaurant overlooking the circuit.

Silverstone has also become a stage for some of the world’s leading music artists, with headline performances from Stormzy, David Guetta, RAYE, Calvin Harris, Becky Hill and Sam Fender, further enhancing its reputation as a premier live entertainment venue.

Building on this success, Silverstone has ambitious plans to expand its live music and cultural programme, strengthening its position as a year-round destination for sport, music, leisure, and business.