In 2016 the FIA will introduce new rules for a team to be eligible for a FIA Super Licence, required to race in Formula 1, but are they fair and in the correct order?
With Max Verstappen at the very young age of 17 lining up at Toro Rosso this season, the decision was met with a lot of criticism, quite understandable, considering he doesn’t even have a road legal licence yet, but is the age of 18 the correct minimum for Motorsport’s most prestigious series?
On the 7th of January 2015 we were told that to qualify for a Super Licence, a points system will be introduced. After having a good look at the list of series on the list it does seem a bit bizarre that a Formula 2 series that isn’t in existence yet is at the top of the list.
The categories eligible for points, in order are: a future FIA F2 championship (60 points for winner), GP2 (50), FIA F3 European championship (40), FIA WEC (LMP1 only) (40), IndyCar (40), GP3 (30), Formula Renault 3.5 (30), Japanese Super Formula (20), national FIA-certified F4 championships (10), national F3 championships (10) and Formula Renault (EuroCup, ALPS or NEC) (5).
Does the list work in the correct order in what will help drivers and make them ready for Formula 1? In my mind it doesn’t. F2 is a series that doesn’t even exist yet, with GP2 in second place on the list, it might be on the support series for F1, but does it create a similar speed and pressured environment?
If it were me, I’d have IndyCar on top of the list because it is the fastest open wheel single seater series with similar speeds to that of F1, and the WEC LMP1 series in second place because this would provide similar speeds but also manufacturer’s pressure for success.
With this new system it also states that all drivers must have F1 experience within three years to keep their licence otherwise they will have to re-obtain points once more to earn their licence back.
Robert Kubica, for example, would need to re earn his Super Licence if he were to return to Formula 1, as he will not have the points to obtain a licence for 2016, the same applies to Nick Heidfeld who hasn’t been in Formula 1 since the end of the 2011 season, as neither has raced over the last three years.
It now puts into perspective that drivers will have to work hard and be patient to earn the relevant points needed to make their way to the sport, but the FIA have also said the system may change from season to season, this could prove difficult for young drivers who are trying to make their way through the ranks.
The new system has a great basis for development, but it needs to be stable for it to work properly.
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