F1 Explained - The Super Licence

In lieu of Mclaren's recent Indycar sign-ups, are the drivers eligible for a super licence? 

Here is the second episode of the F1 Explained series.

In this episode, Mithila & Sundaram talk about the 'FIA super licence', a prerequisite for any driver who wants to race a Formula 1 car.

They also explore the scenario at Mclaren & explain what exactly do the drivers on their radar need to do for their super licence. 

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How does a driver become eligible? And how long is a super licence valid? Is a female racer eligible for a super licence as well?

Tune in as Mithila & Sundaram share their research in this episode of the F1 Explained series. Have a topic you would like us to speak about in the next episode? Write to us via our Instagram page.

(Season 2022, Episode 42)

Follow our hosts: Mithila Mehta & Sundaram Ramaswami

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

# Episode 42: FIA Super License: A Gateway to Formula One

In this episode of the F1 Explained series, Mithila and Sundaram delve into the intricacies of the FIA super license, a prerequisite for drivers aspiring to compete in Formula One.

**What is a Super License?**

Similar to a driving license for road cars, a super license is a mandatory requirement for drivers seeking to participate in the Formula One World Championship. It serves as a filter to ensure that drivers possess the necessary skills, experience, and safety standards to compete at the pinnacle of motor racing.

**Eligibility Criteria**

To obtain a super license, drivers must meet several eligibility criteria. They must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driving license, pass a written test on the International Sporting Code and sporting regulations, and complete at least 80% of two FIA-approved championships. Additionally, they need to accumulate a minimum of 40 super license points over the last three seasons.

**Super License Points System**

Drivers can earn super license points through various FIA-approved racing categories, with Formula 2 and IndyCar offering the highest weightage. Finishing in the top three of a Formula 2 season or winning the IndyCar title grants the required 40 points. Lower positions in the standings yield fewer points. Other categories like Formula 3, Formula E, and WEC also contribute to the points tally.

**Alternative Methods for Acquiring Points**

Drivers who fall short of the 40-point threshold can still improve their case by participating in Formula One free practice sessions or conducting private tests with F1 teams. Each free practice session with a minimum of 100 kilometers (20-30 laps) earns a super license point, with a maximum of 10 points attainable through this method. Private tests require drivers to complete at least 300 kilometers in an F1 car at consistent racing speeds over a day or two, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

**Female Drivers and Super License Eligibility**

Female drivers are eligible for super licenses under the FIA regulations, although the regulations predominantly use male pronouns. Despite the lack of explicit gender-neutral language, there is a provision for female F1 drivers.

**McLaren Drivers' Super License Status**

Among the drivers on McLaren's radar, only Jehan Daruwala currently possesses a super license, having accumulated enough points through his Formula 2 results and a private test with McLaren. Drivers like Pato O'Ward and Colton Herta have a substantial number of points but require private tests with McLaren to become eligible.

**Super License Expiry**

Super licenses have a validity period of three years. Unless drivers complete a certain amount of mileage, such as free practice sessions or testing, or convince the FIA of their continued ability to drive a Formula One car, their licenses expire. This provision allowed drivers like Nico Hulkenberg and Robert Kubica to maintain their super licenses despite not competing regularly.

This episode of F1 Explained provided a comprehensive overview of the FIA super license, its eligibility criteria, methods for acquiring points, and the status of McLaren drivers in terms of super license possession. The hosts also highlighted the need for gender-neutral language in the super license regulations to promote inclusivity in Formula One.