FIA reveals details of 2016 superlicence points system

The FIA has revealed details of the new F1 superlicence qualification system that will come into force for 2016.

The sport’s governing body first outlined the new system at last December’s meeting of the World Motor Sport Council where, in response to Toro Rosso’s controversial signing of 17-year-old Max Verstappen, it revealed that for 2016 drivers would only qualify for and F1 superlicence if they are 18 years of age, possess a valid driving licence, have a knowledge of the F1 Sporting Regulations/ISC rules and have raced for a minimum of two years in minor formulas.

The qualification requirements, defined by the FIA’s Safety have now been expanded to include a points system covering junior formula, with drivers needing to have scored at least 40 points during the three-year period preceding the application.

Five championships deliver the required 40 points for title success in a given year. The FIA has weighted its future F2 championship most favourably, with a title win in the planned series set to offer 60 points and third place in the championship being enough to qualify a driver for an F1 superlicence.

A GP2 title win will earn a driver 50 points, while championship victory in WEC’s LMP1 category and the FIA’s F3 European Championship will also qualify a driver, with a maximum 40 points on offer in each. IndyCar also carries a maximum of 40 points.

The 2016 system will undoubtedly make it more difficult for drivers to qualify for a licence and if the system had been in place for 2015 or earlier a number of current F1 drivers would not feature on this year’s grid as our follow-up article reveals.

What do you think of the FIA's new superlicence system? Is it the right way for drivers to qualify for a superlicence? Leave your comments below.

2016 F1 Superlicence Points Table

Championship position       1^st    2^nd    3^rd     4^th    5^th    6^th    7^th     8^th    9^th   10th

Future FIA F2 C’ship          60     50      40      30     20    10      8       6        4      3

GP2 Series                         50    40      30       20     10     8       6       4        3       2

FIA F3 European C’ship     40    30       20      10      8       6       4       3        2       1

FIA WEC (LMP1)                40    30       20      10      8       6       4       3        2       1

IndyCar                               40     30      20      10      8       6       4        3       2       1

GP3 Series                          30    20       15       10     7       5        3        2       1       0

Formula Renault 3.5            30    20       15       10     7       5        3        2       1       0

Japanese Super Formula    20     7         10       7       5       3        2        1       0       0

National F4

certified by FIA                    10     7          5        2        1       0        0       0       0       0

National F3 c’ships             10     7          5        2        1       0        0       0       0        0

Formula Renault