Verstappen not a fan of F1 superlicence points system blocking Antonelli
World champion Max Verstappen says he does not support the current points system used to grant Formula 1 superlicences.
A driver aiming to compete in an F1 race has to accumulate a total of 40 points to be granted a superlicence, a system that was introduced for 2016.
The FIA, Formula 1's ruling body, decided to introduce the points system after Verstappen made his grand prix debut at the age of 17 years and 166 days at the start of the 2015 season, jumping into F1 straight from European Formula 3.
Some of the other requirements to obtain a superlicence include being at least 18 years old and having completed at least 80% of two full seasons in a single-seater series.
The system was brought into the spotlight again last year when the FIA rejected Red Bull's request for IndyCar race winner Colton Herta to be granted an exemption for a superlicence.
Recently, it emerged that a request has been lodged with the FIA for Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli to be granted a superlicence before he turns 18 in August.
The Italian, currently racing in F2 with Prema, has been linked with an F1 seat even as early as this year, although Mercedes boss Toto Wolff poured cold water on the speculation, saying it "is not going to happen".
Three-time world champion Verstappen said he opposes the current points system, and he reckons it doesn't serve the intended purpose.
"That rule was introduced because of me, of course," Verstappen told Dutch media. "In the end, it doesn't stop what it's meant for.
"It's not specifically about him, but this can stop some talents from getting into Formula 1 quickly because they have to accumulate those 40 points first.
"I'm not a big fan of it, of this entire system. The FIA thinks it's good, but I'd rather not have it.
"If someone is 17 or 18 years old and has maybe 20 points, but if he is very fast, why can't he get into Formula 1 then?"
Despite his early debut, Verstappen went on to become the youngest driver to ever score a point, the youngest to finish on the podium, and the youngest to win a race.
Watch: Senna & the Art of F1 Storytelling - The James Allen on F1 Podcast
Share Or Save This Story
Alpine becomes Pramac's main partner in MotoGP
Liberty Media's $4bn MotoGP deal facing EU probe
Ocon wants answers to understand pace slump against Alpine team-mate
George Russell reacts to Max Verstappen contemplating his F1 future
F1’s long-term future could suit Max Verstappen – but will it come soon enough?
What's going wrong at Red Bull as it drops into F1 midfield?
Red Bull faces "awkward" Gianpiero Lambiase dilemma ahead of McLaren move, says David Coulthard
Max Verstappen backs Gianpiero Lambiase McLaren F1 move: 'He’d be stupid not to take it'
Lambiase’s move to McLaren makes sense - but Red Bull faces another big hole to fill
The key lesson F1 has learned ahead of the next rule change
Doriane Pin reflects on "unreal" maiden F1 test: "An extremely emotional day"
Susie Wolff sends heartfelt message to Doriane Pin for Mercedes F1 test
KTM riders say top speed advantage has disappeared in MotoGP
The political shift that will determine F1's next engine formula
Is it now or never for Russell in hunt for F1 title?
The top 11 lost F1 victories after the flag
The remnant of the V10 era in F1's previous switch to V8 engines
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments