Getting into Formula One is not as easy as just being quick. All drivers have to pass certain criteria to qualify for a FIA Super Licence. The FIA has to set these restrictions to preserve the safety of the driver and everyone else on the track and in the pit lane, and the Super Licence allows them to do so.
What is the FIA Super Licence?
The Super Licence – much like a drivers licence – is proof that a driver is qualified to take part in Formula One sessions. Every driver will have had to pass the criteria the FIA have set before they can obtain this important document.
What does a driver need to get a FIA Super Licence?
There are 6 key requirements for a driver to get a Super Licence:
- A driver must be over the age of 18 at the point of beginning their first F1 race (unless under the exceptional circumstances that this can be appealed for a driver who is 17 years of age).
- A driver must hold a valid drivers licence for public roads.
- A driver must hold an International Grade A Competition Licence.
- A driver must pass a theory test on sporting codes and regulations.
- A driver must have completed 80% of two seasons of single-seater championships (that offer Super Licence points to be earned)
- A driver must have accumulated 40 points from previous championships in the three years leading up to the time of application.
The FIA has lowered the superlicence minimum age to 17 years!
This would allow Kimi Andrea Antonelli to make his potential F1 debut early.
A driver aged 17 is allowed into F1 when the FIA provides a special dispensation for “recently and consistently demonstrating outstanding… pic.twitter.com/nGYf0CyK1D
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) June 14, 2024
In summary, a driver must be 18 (or 17 with permission), with a valid drivers licence, have passed the theory test, and have sufficient experience in single-seater championship – as well as the prerequisite 40 points, which will be elaborated on further below.
How many points does a driver need for a Super Licence?
A driver must have 40 points to qualify for a Super Licence. This is often the hardest of the criteria for a driver to meet, as it can take multiple years in different single-seater championships to collect all 40 points.
How do drivers accumulate points?
Drivers can accumulate points through their previous championships. This does not mean they have to have won those championships – but better results do give more points, and will allow a driver to progress up towards F1 quicker!
Points can be earned in a large variety of championships, including everything from the obvious F2/F3 route, to IndyCar. Drivers begin earning points from as early as karting championships, but only those that are earned in the 3 year prior to applying for a Super Licence will add to their tally.
Drivers can also earn points from their Free Practice Sessions, which is another great incentive for teams to utilise the two enforced rookie sessions per season to showcase their best academy talent.
For example, finishing top three in the F2 championship will grant a driver the full 40 points, winning the Formula E championship would gain 30 points, as would winning the WEC Hypercar Series.
Can a driver lose their FIA Super Licence?
A driver can have their Super Licence suspended if they receive 12 penalty points in a one-year period. This was seen for the first time this season, as Kevin Magnussen was banned from the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix for reaching the 12-point limit.
A driver can have their Super Licence removed permanently under certain circumstances. Yuji Ide, an F1 driver in 2006, had his Super Licence revoked for causing an unnecessary and dangerous collision – resulting in him losing his seat for the year, and not making a return to F1.
