# George Russell Launches Karting Academy with BRDC

> George Russell and BRDC start karting academy to find young drivers in Commonwealth countries.
- Title: George Russell Launches Karting Academy with BRDC · Autosport
- Summary: George Russell and BRDC start karting academy to find young drivers in Commonwealth countries.
- Keywords: george russell, brdc, gr63 karting academy, commonwealth countries, karting, mercedes f1, silverstone, british racing drivers club, formula 1, karting academy, gr63 shootout, 2027 championship
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/russell-and-brdc-launch-karting-academy/10874110
- Author: Ed Hardy
- Published: 2026-11-12T12:27:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: george russell, brdc, gr63 karting academy, commonwealth countries, karting, mercedes f1, silverstone, british racing drivers club, formula 1, karting academy, gr63 shootout, 2027 championship
## George Russell Launches Karting Academy
George Russell partners with BRDC to launch karting academy for young drivers.
## Academy Opens for Eight to Nine Year Olds
The academy targets children aged eight to nine from Commonwealth countries starting in December.
## Four-Stage Path to Motorsport
The academy offers a four-stage path to the top with open access for 80 drivers to compete in the GR63 Shootout.
## GR63 Shootout Determines 2027 Championship Slots
80 drivers compete in the GR63 Shootout on 31 January 2027 to determine 25 slots for an eight-round championship from March to November 2027.
## Fully Funded for Top Drivers
The top five drivers in stage four receive fully-funded karting campaigns in 2028.
## Key takeaway

George Russell's GR63 Karting Academy, open to eight to nine year olds in Commonwealth countries, aims to fund motorsport careers through a four-stage competition starting in December 2026.