Formula 1: What is a Super License and how do drivers accumulate points?
To be able to compete in the Formula 1 Championship, a driver must have a super licence.
This licence is a qualification to enter F1, issued by governing body FIA.
The FIA issue several different licences for motorsport competitions, such as endurance or karting, but F1's licence is at the top level.
Several factors need to be ticked off for a driver to qualify for a super licence, according to the FIA's International Sporting Code.
To be applicable for a super licence, a driver must:
Hold an FIA-issued International Grade A licence
Be at least 18 years old (but exemption may be given to a driver aged 17)
Pass a knowledge theory test on the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations
Complete at least 80% of two separate seasons from any single-seater championship, approved by the FIA
Accumulate at least 40 points overall from a two or three-year period
If a driver has held a valid super licence for three seasons, they are eligible for a new one after they complete 100km in a free practice session.
The FIA will determine whether a driver can obtain a new licence if they have not held a valid one for more than three years.
Previously, drivers were required to have an ordinary driver's licence, but this rule was scrapped in 2024.
A driver must collect a minimum of 40 points over a two or three-year period to be applicable for an F1 super licence.
They can be gained from a list of FIA-recognised championships. The higher the drivers finish a season, the more points they will receive.
These championships include the Formula series (F2, F3, Formula E and F1 Academy), IndyCar, World Endurance Championship and Nascar.
The top three in Formula 2 will receive 40 points, whereas in IndyCar, the champion will be awarded 40 points, second place gets 30 and third gets 20.
In F3 and FE, the champion will receive 30 points, second 25 points, and third 20 points.
Drivers that hold a 'free practice only' super licence can gain points when they complete 100km during F1 practice sessions.
To obtain this specific licence a driver must be at least 18 years old, hold a Grade A licence, pass the FIA theory test, and complete either six races in F2 or accumulate 25 super licence points in three seasons.