Unlocking the Road to F1: Understanding the Super Licence.
In the early days of Formula 1, anyone with a car and the means could participate in the sport. But times have changed, and now drivers must hold an FIA Super Licence to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport.
In this article, we explore what the Super Licence entails and what aspiring drivers need to do to secure one.
Significance of an F1 Super Licence
The Super Licence is the highest-level qualification issued by the FIA, allowing drivers to compete in Formula 1. While various licenses are issued for different motorsport disciplines, F1 requires the prestigious Super Licence.
Requirements for Obtaining a Super Licence
To obtain a Super Licence, drivers must fulfill certain requirements outlined in the International Sporting Code, which governs all FIA-sanctioned motorsport events. Here are the key prerequisites:
- Hold a current FIA International Grade A license and a valid driving license.
- Be at least 18 years old at the start of their first F1 competition.
- Pass a knowledge test on the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations.
- Complete at least 80% of two seasons in certified single-seater championships.
- Accumulate at least 40 points through championship classifications (see points table).
Points System for Super Licence
Drivers earn points based on their performances in various championships. The FIA considers the three-year period preceding the year of application or the two-year period preceding the year of application, along with points accumulated in the year of application.
Considerations for Returning Drivers
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the code now allows flexibility for returning drivers. If the three-year period preceding the year of application includes 2020 or 2021, the FIA considers the highest number of points accumulated in any three of the four years immediately preceding the year of application. Similar rules apply to the two-year period.
Additionally, if a driver has held a Super Licence in any of the previous three years, they may be eligible for renewal based on their consistently outstanding performance in single-seater formula cars.
The F1 team involved must also certify that the driver has completed at least 300km in an F1 car at racing speeds.
Earning Additional Points
Apart from championship classifications, drivers can earn extra points through various avenues:
- Clean driving in championships with a penalty points system awards an additional two points.
- The winner of the FIA F3 World Cup receives an extra five points.
- A Free Practice Only Super Licence holder can earn one additional point per F1 World Championship event by completing at least 100km during a free practice session without incurring penalty points. A maximum of 10 additional points can be considered for a Super Licence application.
A Real-Life Example: Logan Sargeant
Logan Sargeant, who made his F1 debut with Williams this year, serves as a recent example of a driver accumulating the required 40 Super Licence points.
Sargeant achieved this milestone through his performances in F2 and several F1 practice sessions in 2022.
Sargeant found himself on 29 Super Licence points heading into last year’s F2 finale in Abu Dhabi, taking into account his previous F3 efforts, along with bonus points for hitting the required 100km of running during FP1 outings for Williams in the United States and Brazil.
Despite the added pressure of the weekend, Sargeant grabbed another point from one more FP1 run at the Yas Marina Circuit, before securing P4 in the F2 drivers’ standings and bagging 30 points, plus two more for receiving no penalties across the F2 season — meaning he ultimately eased past his target.
Final Thoughts
Securing an F1 Super Licence is a crucial step for any driver aspiring to compete at the highest level of motorsport. The combination of experience, knowledge, and points accumulated through championships determines eligibility.
As we witness the next generation of drivers entering Formula 1, the Super Licence remains a symbol of their skill, dedication, and readiness to tackle the challenges of the sport.
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