Why George Russell always dreamed of starting an affordable karting academy
George Russell has started the GR63 Academy, a budget-friendly way for kids to kick off their racing journey. Located at Silverstone, the academy uses a knockout style competition where the winner—aged around 8 or 9—earns a fully paid karting season.
This project is a dream come true for Russell, who wants racing to be easier to get into and not just for wealthy families. The GR63 Academy is based at the karting track inside Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, and will begin in December.
The competition ends with a fully funded karting season prize—a big cost even for beginners—but joining costs just £25. Practice sessions will run through December, with 80 kids moving on to the next stage.
In January, those 80 will compete in timed practices and qualifying races to pick drivers for the main championship. This step costs £75, but after that, there are no more fees.
From the 80, 25 drivers will join an eight-round championship from March to November. The top five will be judged on skills like talent, speed, fitness, race ability, and media presence. One winner will receive full support from the British Racing Drivers Club and a fully paid karting season.
Russell says, “I started karting at 7, and this project brings everything I learned to help find F1’s next big star.” Now a top F1 driver, he often points out that rising costs today would have stopped him from moving up when he was younger.
In an article last year, Russell shared how hard his dad worked to help him race. “My dad ran his own farm business and worked all day, every day, so I could follow my dream. He’d leave before I woke up and come home after I’d gone to bed. When I wasn’t racing, I’d wonder where he was.”
His dad’s sacrifices paid off—Russell even convinced Mercedes to sign him as a junior by giving a presentation at 16. But now, Russell says he wouldn’t have had the money to even reach that chance, which is why he created this academy.
He hopes karting will become as easy to access as playing football in your local park. “Karting is expensive, and costs keep rising. When we grew up, it was still pricey but more manageable. I want kids to enjoy the thrill of speed and racing just like I did.”
He adds, “Karting is pure racing. I remember waking up and putting on my race suit first thing—even wearing my rib protector at breakfast because I was so excited!”
Now, Russell is opening the door for others to feel those same thrills and maybe chase their own dream of making it to Formula 1.