Ricciardo to personally select drivers for Ginetta Junior Scholarship pathway

Daniel Ricciardo will directly choose two young drivers from his own karting series for a shot at the prestigious Ginetta Junior Scholarship, creating a clear talent pathway from grassroots karting to professional car racing. The selected drivers will join the scholarship assessment in October 2026, with the overall winner receiving a fully funded seat in the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's personal involvement bridges a critical gap in junior motorsport, offering a tangible and merit-based route for talented karters to transition into car racing. The Ginetta Junior Scholarship is a proven launchpad, with graduates like reigning F1 world champion Lando Norris, making this initiative a significant opportunity for aspiring drivers who might otherwise lack the connections or resources to progress.

The details:

• The initiative is part of the Daniel Ricciardo Series (DRS), a karting championship launched in 2019 focused on close, affordable racing in identical machinery.
• Ricciardo himself will help select two standout drivers, aged 14 to 17, from the series to be put forward for the scholarship assessment.
• The assessment is a comprehensive evaluation, heavily weighted toward driving ability but also testing fitness, race craft, media skills, and learning under pressure.
• The grand prize is a fully funded 2027 season in the Ginetta Junior Championship, which supports the British GT series. The package covers the car, all entry fees, tires, fuel, insurance, and team support.

The big picture:

This move underscores Ricciardo's growing commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent through a structured program. While the DRS maintains its core philosophy of accessibility and fun for all participants, it now formally offers a professional pathway for the most ambitious drivers. Ricciardo has also confirmed he will attend selected DRS events in 2026 to further engage with the series and its competitors.

What's next:

The selection process will unfold throughout the 2026 DRS season, culminating in the two chosen drivers attending the scholarship assessment in October 2026. For the winners, it represents a chance to follow in the tire tracks of stars like Norris and take a major, funded step toward a professional racing career.