George Russell Turns Into Karting Guru, Set To Take 25 Young Racers Under His Tutelage

Mercedes F1 driver George Russell has announced the launch of his own junior racing academy named GR63 Academy on Thursday. The Briton will take in 25 young racers into his wing in 2027 to help and guide them through whatever challenges they may face during their early days in karting.

“Karting is where it all started for me and has played a crucial role in my career. I also know how hard it is for talented young drivers to get that first opportunity, especially when budgets are tight. With the GR63 Academy, I want to give something back to my sport by finding those hidden stars and giving them the support and guidance they need to reach their potential,” Russell wrote via Instagram.

“Following the first two rounds at Silverstone, I’ll identify 25 kids to take part in the GR63 Academy in 2027,” he added.

Russell’s GR63 Academy will organize an open-access qualifiers session at the iconic Silverstone circuit in December. Kids between the ages of eight and nine are eligible to take part in the qualifiers.

Eighty young drivers will at first be shortlisted during the karting competition as they will head into a shootout. After this, 25 drivers will be selected for the program in 2027.

The qualifiers will be conducted from December 6 to December 31, with the shootout also held on the final day of 2026.

Five Drivers Will Eventually Be Part of George Russell’s Driver Academy

Following the initial process, the 25 drivers will take part in an eight-round championship in 2027. The top five drivers in this championship will then ‘progress to the final stage of the Academy,’ according to GR63’s official website.

The 25 drivers will be fully funded and given an Academy team kit for the eight-round championship in 2027. They will also race across eight different track configurations curated by Russell himself at the Silverstone karting track.

The championship next year will begin with the opening round on March 28. The competition will conclude as late as November 18 with the eighth and final round.

Russell also revealed a striking neon-blue kart to match the racing suits, the same color as the key identifiers of his Academy.

George Russell Reveals Ultimate Goal of GR63 Academy

Russell shared the ultimate goal of his GR63 Academy, saying he is looking to give an appropriate platform for the best young driving talent in the United Kingdom. The 29-year-old will support 25 drivers, then five eventually, regardless of their backgrounds.

“The best drivers should be given the right platform to rise to the top, no matter their background. This is the mission of the GR63 Academy,” said Russell.

Much like every other driver on the current F1 grid, Russell also began his motorsport journey in the karting world as a junior driver. The 29-year-old had a hugely successful career in karting, as he became the MSA British champion and British Open champion in 2009, just three years after he began karting.

In 2010, Russell won the Super One British championship, the Formula Kart Stars British championship and the British Kart Grand Prix.

In 2011, Russell became the Karting European Champion in the OK-Junior category, beating his teammates Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon. In 2012, he became the first-ever driver in history to defend this title, before eventually graduating to F4 in 2014.

More F1 Reading

• Despite ‘Threats’ From Max Verstappen, Racing Bulls Grants Liam Lawson an Extension
• ‘Israel’s Genocide in Gaza Is Appalling’: Lewis Hamilton Minces No Words in Solidarity Post for Palestine
• ‘We Really Need To Put Pressure on Israel’: Lewis Hamilton Appeals for Relief Aid To Pass Into Gaza
• Who Is the Most Followed F1 WAG on Instagram? Does Anybody Beat Kim Kardashian?