Daniel Ricciardo Launches New Ginetta Junior Scholarship for Young Drivers
Daniel Ricciardo is launching a new scholarship through his karting series to fund a young driver's entry into the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship. He will personally select two candidates for an assessment, with the winner getting a fully paid drive. This move cements his post-F1 role in developing the next generation of racing talent.
Retired Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo is launching a new scholarship initiative to help young drivers from his own karting series transition to car racing. The program will select two drivers for a fully-funded shot at the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship, a key UK-based stepping stone where drivers like Lando Norris began their careers.
Why it matters:
Ricciardo is leveraging his iconic status and experience to directly impact the next generation of racers. By creating a tangible pathway from karting to a recognized junior formula, his Daniel Ricciardo Series (DRS) offers more than just track time—it provides a critical career opportunity. This move solidifies his post-F1 legacy in driver development, a space where his personality and insight can have a lasting influence.
The details:
- Ricciardo announced he will personally help select two drivers, aged 14-17, from his DRS karting series for a Ginetta Junior Scholarship assessment in 2026.
- The assessment will evaluate fitness, media skills, driving performance, and racecraft.
- The winner receives a fully funded drive in the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship, which supports the British Touring Car Championship.
- Ricciardo confirmed he will attend some DRS events in 2026, maintaining a hands-on role.
The big picture:
This initiative expands the scope of the Daniel Ricciardo Series, founded in 2019. It transitions the program from being primarily a grassroots karting platform to a genuine launchpad for professional racing careers. The scholarship directly addresses the significant financial barrier many young talents face when moving from karts to cars.
What's next:
The selection process for the two scholarship candidates will begin in 2026. Ricciardo's continued involvement with Ford as a global ambassador, and Red Bull's open-door comments regarding a potential paddock role for him, suggest the popular Australian will remain a visible figure in the motorsport world, bridging his racing past with a future focused on nurturing new talent.