George Russell announced the GR63 Academy on November 12, creating a karting development programme at Silverstone for drivers aged eight to nine. Twenty-five selected drivers will contest a fully funded eight-round championship in 2027, with the eventual winner earning funding for a karting season in 2028.
The pathway runs from open timed qualifying to an 80-driver shootout, a 25-driver championship and a final assessment for the top five. The organiser has published separate entry costs and funding arrangements for each stage.
December qualifying at £25 per session
Qualifying runs from December 6 to 31, 2026, using UK local dates. Eligible drivers can enter through a Kart Silverstone Junior Racer Open Laps booking by applying the academy code KSGR635 at checkout.
Each timed session lasts 15 minutes and costs £25. Eighty drivers will be selected to progress. Funding for the championship begins at the later selection stage, after this open-entry qualifying process.
Eighty drivers compete for 25 places
The shootout is scheduled for January 31, 2027. Its 80 participants will take part in practice and qualifying activities for 25 championship places. The organiser lists a separate entry fee of £75 per driver for this stage.
The selected 25 will receive a full academy kit and funding for all eight rounds between March and November 2027. The programme includes track configurations curated by Russell alongside coaching and development opportunities.
The top five seek support for 2028
The eight published race dates are March 28, April 18, May 2, June 20, July 18, September 12, October 3 and November 14. These are UK local dates, with detailed session times still to be confirmed.
The championship’s top five will enter a final assessment in December 2027 on a date yet to be announced. Supported by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, the assessment will cover lap times, racecraft, media skills and fitness. Its winner will receive a fully funded karting season in 2028.
Turning an early opportunity into a development pathway
Russell described karting as the starting point of his own racing career and wants to help the next generation develop. The programme links initial selection with a full eight-round season, giving its drivers an extended opportunity to demonstrate progress before the final award.
