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Russell's GR63 Academy to select 25 drivers through January shootout

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-11-12GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

After December qualifiers at Silverstone, 80 drivers will contest a 31 January shootout for 25 places in the fully funded, eight-round 2027 championship.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

George Russell has launched the GR63 Academy with Silverstone, a karting initiative that will select 25 young drivers for a fully funded championship in 2027.

Qualifying starts at Silverstone in December. The 80 drivers who progress will contest the GR63 Shootout on 31 January, which determines the 25 places in an eight-round championship at the circuit from March to November 2027.

Russell said karting played a crucial role in his career and that tight budgets can make it hard for talented young drivers to get their first opportunity. A season of international-level karting can cost well into six figures, beyond the reach of most, RacingNews365 reports.

Sources 06
  1. SOURCERussell partners with BRDC to launch karting academyAutosport
  2. PRIMARY SOURCERussell launches new karting academy for young racersFormula 1
  3. SOURCERussell lanceert ambitieus nieuw project buiten F1RacingNews365 Nederland
  4. SOURCEGeorge Russell pledges to find 'hidden stars' as major announcement madeRacingNews365 English
  5. SOURCEGeorge Russell launches karting academyMotorsport.com F1
  6. SOURCEGeorge Russell launches fully-funded GR63 Karting Academy at SilverstoneMotorsport.com F1