George Russell has announced the founding of the GR63 Academy, a new venture designed to support the next generation of racing talent. The project, named after his initials and racing number, will be based at Silverstone's Kart Circuit and aims to discover exceptional young drivers.
Academy launch and partnership
Russell shared the news on his official social media accounts, posting a photo of himself in electric blue racing overalls sitting in a kart, alongside an image of himself with five young drivers in matching attire. The caption read: "So proud to introduce you all to the GR63 Academy."
The project has been created in partnership with the Silverstone circuit, the host venue for the F1 British Grand Prix, as well as the British Racing Drivers' Club. Russell has also secured the support of Mercedes partner Adidas, which supplied the racing suits worn in the promotional photos.
Selection process and stages
The academy has four stages. The first takes place between December 11-31 with open-access qualifying sessions. For £25 per session, eight and nine-year-olds will have the chance to show their pace, with the top 80 drivers moving to the next stage.
Those 80 will take part in a shootout on January 31 next year, when they will be whittled down to 25 finalists. The 25 racers will then compete in the GR63 Championship between March and November, consisting of eight rounds all at Silverstone but on different circuit layouts. Unlike the tryouts, the series is fully funded, so participants will not need to pay to drive.
Path to a fully funded season
The top five finishers in the championship will progress to a final shootout in December next year, where they will be assessed on lap times, talent, fitness, race craft and media skills, described as being "every pillar an F1 driver needs". The winner will receive a fully funded season in the official karting ranks in 2028.
Russell said: "My journey all began behind the wheel of a kart at the age of seven. This project embodies everything I've learnt to find F1's next-generation superstar."
Following the first two rounds at Silverstone, Russell said he will identify 25 kids to take part in the GR63 Academy in 2027.
