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George Russell launches fully-funded GR63 Karting Academy at Silverstone

Motorsport has an alarming financial barrier to entry, with seasons of junior karting frequently running deep into the six figures. Mercedes Formula 1 star George Russell is taking direct action to change that.Russell officially announced the launch of the GR63…

By Rahaan Mazumder · Motorsport

Published: Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 10:35 AM

Key Things to Know

George Russell launched the fully funded GR63 Academy to help 25 young drivers bypass junior karting costs.
The initiative is established in partnership with Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers' Club.
Open-access qualifying sessions will begin in December 2026, with an 80-driver shootout following in January 2027.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has announced the launch of the GR63 Academy, a fully funded grassroots karting initiative. Created in partnership with Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers' Club, the program aims to help 25 young drivers bypass the costly financial barriers associated with junior motorsport through an eight-round championship in 2027.

Selection begins with merit-based arrive-and-drive qualifying sessions in December 2026, leading to a shootout for the 80 fastest drivers in January 2027. Russell will mentor the 25 chosen drivers, who will receive full equipment and coverage of racing expenses, with the ultimate winner earning a fully funded 2028 karting season.

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