George Russell is a British racing driver who currently competes in Formula One for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
However, like many successful racing drivers, he started his career in go-karting.
In this article, we will take a closer look at George Russell’s go-karting career and explore some of the key moments that helped to shape his path to success.
When Did George Russell Start Racing Go-Karts?
George Russell began racing go-karts at the age of eight. It was at this young age that he first discovered his passion for motorsports.
He started competing in local karting championships in his hometown of King’s Lynn, England.
Russell quickly showed a natural talent for go-karting and started winning races. He soon progressed to national-level competitions and began to gain recognition within the karting community.
Despite his young age, George Russell was already displaying an incredible work ethic and dedication to his craft.
He would spend hours every day practicing and perfecting his driving skills, with the goal of one day becoming a professional racing driver.
His hard work paid off as he continued to excel in karting and catch the attention of those in the motorsport industry.
How Good Was George Russell At Karting?
George Russell’s karting career was very successful. He quickly showed his talent on the track and won numerous races and championships.
At the age of eight, he won the Honda Cadet Championship in 2005, which was his first major title. He then went on to win the Super One British Championship in the same category in 2006.
Russell continued to dominate in karting and won several more titles, including the European Championship in the KF3 category in 2011.
He also finished as runner-up in the CIK-FIA World KF2 Championship in 2012.
One of his most notable achievements in karting came in 2013, when he won the CIK-FIA European KF2 Championship, beating some of the best young drivers in the world.
His karting career laid a solid foundation for his success in the higher echelons of the sport.
Breakthrough
George Russell’s breakthrough in karting came in 2012 when he joined the prestigious British Formula 3 championship.
He started racing for the renowned team Carlin Motorsport, and it was immediately clear that he was a talent to be reckoned with.
Russell’s results in British Formula 3 were nothing short of impressive. He won the championship in his rookie season, becoming the youngest driver to do so.
He finished the season with six race wins, 12 podiums, and three pole positions.
This success propelled him onto the international stage and earned him a place in the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, which recognizes the best young British drivers.
Russell’s success continued in the European Formula 3 championship. He secured four pole positions, four victories, and nine podium finishes in his first season.
His performances earned him the attention of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, who signed him up as a junior driver in their young driver program.
Russell’s success in karting and his breakthrough in British Formula 3 and European Formula 3 demonstrated his incredible talent and potential.
His results and performances attracted the attention of some of the top teams in motorsport and helped him secure his place in the highly competitive world of professional racing.
| Year | Championship | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Copa Campeones Trophy Junior | 2nd |
| 2005 | Catalan Junior Championship | 1st |
| 2005 | Spanish Championship | 5th |
| 2006 | Catalan Junior Championship | 1st |
| 2006 | Spanish Championship | 3rd |
| 2007 | European Championship (KF3) | 6th |
| 2007 | World Cup (KF3) | 3rd |
| 2007 | Italian Open Masters | 1st |
| 2007 | Spanish Championship | 2nd |
| 2008 | European Championship (KF2) | 1st |
| 2008 | Spanish Championship | 1st |
Where Did George Russell Go Karting?
George Russell started go-karting at the age of seven in his hometown of Kings Lynn in Norfolk, England.
He initially raced at his local karting track, but soon started competing in national and international events across the UK and Europe.
Some of the circuits where he competed include Shenington, Whilton Mill, and PF International in the UK, as well as tracks in Belgium, France, and Italy.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, George Russell’s early karting career was highly successful and marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a professional racing driver.
Despite facing setbacks and tough competition along the way, he was able to showcase his talent and determination, leading him to breakthrough performances and eventually securing a seat in Formula One.
Russell’s karting career taught him valuable skills that he has carried with him throughout his racing journey.
He learned how to handle pressure, make quick decisions, and constantly improve his performance.
These skills have helped him succeed in his career and will continue to do so as he competes at the highest level of motorsport.
It’s clear that George Russell has a bright future ahead of him, and his karting career played an important role in shaping him into the driver he is today.
It’s a testament to his talent and hard work that he has made it to Formula One, and fans can look forward to seeing what he will achieve in the years to come.
