With 21 World Drivers’ Championship titles and over 300 Grand Prix victories, Great Britain can rightly claim to be the most successful nation in Formula 1, and across every major category of international motorsport competition, British entrants have consistently set the standard on the world stage.
The UK’s position as a world-leader has been maintained by two major talent development programmes, which has ensured the presence of five drivers on the 2026 Formula 1 grid and across the categories appearing at this weekend’s British Grand Prix. Today Motorsport UK and the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) have announced the creation of a new, unified national academy, which will power the next generation of British motorsport talent.
Launching in January 2027, the new BRDC Driver Academy powered by Motorsport UK will integrate Motorsport UK’s Driver Academy with the BRDC’s acclaimed Rising Stars and SuperStars programmes, forming a unified development pathway for young drivers, combining Motorsport UK’s influence and infrastructure with the BRDC’s unrivalled heritage and expertise in developing racing drivers through to the highest levels of international competition.
The newly refined elite athlete programme will be led by former racing driver Andy Meyrick. Andy has been the BRDC SuperStars programme director since 2019 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. Having benefitted from both BRDC and Motorsport UK young driver programmes before becoming a coach and mentor for both, he is uniquely placed to lead the consolidated academy.
The programme will continue to identify and support drivers demonstrating exceptional potential across a range of motorsport disciplines, covering every aspect of modern driver development, including athletic performance, fitness and wellbeing resources, education, personal development, commercial guidance, media training and industry mentorship, maturing into complete athletes and future leaders of the sport.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring British motorsport continues to nurture world-class driving talent and maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in the sport.
Derek Warwick, Vice President, British Racing Drivers’ Club:
“The BRDC has a proud history of supporting future champions through the Rising Stars and SuperStars programmes. Combining that legacy with the expertise and national reach of Motorsport UK allows us to strengthen the support available to emerging talent and build an even more effective platform for driver development.”
Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, Motorsport UK:
“Britain leads the world in developing motorsport talent. Today we’re making sure it stays that way.
“This academy brings together the strengths of two organisations with a shared belief in the power of young talent. Together we will create a clearer pathway, stronger support and greater opportunities for the next generation of British drivers.”
Andy Meyrick, Programme Director:
“Bringing the Motorsport UK Academy together with the BRDC’s Rising Stars and SuperStars programmes represents a significant step. I’ve been part of both Motorsport UK and BRDC initiatives, gone on to have a career as a driver, and worked with both in my role developing drivers, so I’m well aware of what the demands are to succeed.
“The combined programme will provide a very clear development path for young British drivers and it’s a really exciting prospect. We have a rich heritage of success on the international stage, and we are well set to help continue that legacy.”
