Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport, and as such, only the most skilled and experienced drivers are allowed to compete at this level. To ensure that only the best drivers make it to the F1 grid, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) has implemented a system known as the FIA Super License points. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the Super License points system and how it impacts drivers’ eligibility to compete in Formula One.
Why do Super Licence points exist?
The FIA Super License is a qualification that drivers must obtain in order to compete in Formula One. It is designed to ensure that drivers have the necessary experience and skill level to safely and effectively participate in F1 races. To be eligible for a Super License, a driver must meet several criteria, including accumulating a certain number of Super License points over a three-year period.
Super License points are awarded based on a driver’s performance in various junior racing categories, such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and other FIA-sanctioned championships. The points system is structured in such a way that drivers are encouraged to progress through the ranks of motorsport and gain valuable experience before reaching the highest level.
To qualify for a Super License, a driver must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a valid road car driving license.
- Have completed at least 80% of two full seasons in any of the championships eligible for Super License points.
- Accumulate a minimum of 40 Super License points over a three-year period.
How do drivers earn Super Licence points?
The Super License points system is designed to reward drivers for their performance in various junior racing categories. The FIA has assigned different point values to each championship, based on the perceived difficulty and competitiveness of the series. This ensures that drivers who perform well in more challenging categories are rewarded with a greater number of points.
Below is a breakdown of the Super License points allocation for the top finishers in some of the most prominent racing categories:
- FIA Formula 2 Championship: The winner of the F2 championship receives 40 points, while points are awarded down to the 10th-place finisher, who receives 2 points.
- FIA Formula 3 Championship: The F3 champion receives 30 points, with points being awarded down to the 10th-place finisher, who receives 1 point.
- FIA World Endurance Championship (LMP1 class only): The LMP1 champion receives 30 points, with points being awarded down to the 10th-place finisher, who receives 1 point.
- IndyCar Series: The IndyCar champion receives 25 points, with points being awarded down to the 10th-place finisher, who receives 1 point.
- Other FIA-sanctioned championships, such as Formula Regional European Championship, Super Formula, and the FIA World Endurance Championship (other than LMP1) also award Super License points, albeit with a lower points scale.
It’s important to note that not all championships award points to the same number of finishers, and some may have additional criteria for earning points, such as the completion of a minimum number of races or laps.
In addition to the points earned through championship standings, drivers can also earn Super License points by participating in Formula One testing sessions. For every 100 kilometers completed during an F1 test, a driver can earn 1 Super License point, up to a maximum of 10 points per year.
How Super License points affect drivers
The introduction of the Super License points system has had a significant impact on drivers’ careers and the overall landscape of Formula One. Here, we will explore some of the key effects of this system:
- Ensuring driver safety and skill level: The primary purpose of the Super License points system is to ensure that only drivers with sufficient experience and skill are granted access to Formula One. By requiring drivers to accumulate a certain number of points across multiple racing categories, the FIA can be confident that those who qualify for a Super License are well-prepared to handle the demands of F1 racing.
- Encouraging progression through junior categories: The points system encourages drivers to gain experience in a variety of racing categories before attempting to break into Formula One. This allows drivers to develop their skills and adapt to different types of cars and racing environments, ultimately producing a more well-rounded and capable group of drivers on the F1 grid.
- Promoting meritocracy and talent development: By awarding Super License points based on performance in junior categories, the system helps to ensure that the most talented and deserving drivers are granted the opportunity to compete in Formula One. This promotes a merit-based approach to driver selection, rather than one based solely on financial backing or team connections.
- Impact on driver market and team selection: The Super License points system has also influenced the way teams approach driver selection, as they must now consider a driver’s points tally and eligibility for a Super License when making decisions about their driver lineup. This can impact the driver market, with teams potentially prioritizing drivers who are closer to obtaining a Super License over those who may be more talented but have not yet accrued the necessary points.
In conclusion, the FIA Super License points system plays a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring Formula One drivers and maintaining a high standard of competition within the sport. By requiring drivers to demonstrate their skill and experience through success in junior categories, the system ensures that only the most capable and deserving drivers are granted the opportunity to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
With the Super License points system in place, Formula One can continue to showcase the very best talent from around the world, providing fans with thrilling on-track action and reinforcing the sport’s status as the pinnacle of motorsport.