A global opportunity awaits: 2026 UK Series winners earn drives at the FIA Karting World Championship with a factory team and a chance to race in Macau.
The Champions of the Future Academy Program is a launchpad for drivers in karting. The arrive-and-drive concept, which allows drivers to familiarise themselves with the machinery and circuits at a reduced cost while maintaining an equally competitive field, forms the foundation of the series. The Academy propels drivers into the deeper stages of their careers and onto higher levels of karting and motorsport.
Now, drivers who can prove their abilities in the series will be rewarded. In 2026, the Champions of the Future Academy UK Series class winners will earn a supported drive with a factory team at the FIA Karting World Championship for the Junior and Senior winners, as well as entry to a January event in Macau for the overall Mini 60 winner.
What’s at Stake
The FIA Karting World Championship is the official World Championship for karting, previously won by names such as Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Nyck de Vries, and contested by a vast majority of the current Formula 1 grid, including Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc. For those looking to climb the ranks, FIA Karting is the place to be.
For the Mini 60 grid, the opportunity to race in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Macau in January 2027 will provide a powerful source of inspiration. Famous for its Vegas-esque atmosphere and bright neon lights, Macau showcases the global scale of motorsport and gives young drivers a glimpse of what lies ahead in their careers.
Success in Action: Graduate drivers’ Perspective
There are already a number of success stories, such as Lunca Fluxa, who won the Senior COTFA class in 2024 and has since competed in the FIA Karting World Championship. The same is true of her Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Junior Programme teammate, James Anagnostiadis, who is also a series winner.
“The Champions of the Future Academy Programme reshaped my career pathway, first making the dream of reaching F1 possible after being signed by Mercedes following my win at the inaugural round in 2023. Then, racing the full season in 2024 really helped me refine my driving, competing against many strong drivers, all with equal equipment. This then placed me with Kart Republic, which helped me achieve my first FIA Karting win and second place in the European Championship in 2025.
Racing in the FIA World Championship is something I have always dreamed of; to compete against the best drivers in the world. To finish in the top five in both years, standing on the podium in my first-ever World Championship and starting from pole position in the Senior final last year, is something I would never have expected in such a short amount of time, but it has come from a lot of hard work.”
The Champions of the Future Academy Program continues to serve as a launchpad. With prizes for the UK Series winners now confirmed, the hunt for the next standout talents continues.
The next event where drivers can chase this opportunity takes place at PF International Kart Circuit from 15–17 May. Entries are still open, be part of it.