Formula 2 and IndyCar are now the only series where the champion’s become immediately eligible for an F1 seat under a new superlicence points system confirmed by the FIA on Thursday.
The system was introduced two years ago amid unhappiness at the influence of pay drivers in F1 and concerns over age, following Max Verstappen’s promotion to Toro Rosso at 18 in 2015.
At the time a number of series, GP2 (now F2), European Formula 3, Formula E, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship LMP1 winners all received the necessary 40 points to be eligible for the necessary superlicence to compete in F1, however, that has now been ended in an attempt to form a more clear ladder from karting to the ‘pinnacle of motorsport’.
Greater emphasis has been put on F2 with the top three in the championship all now picking up the full 40 points, while in IndyCar the number drops to 30 for second and 20 for third.
European F3, Formula E and WEC LMP1 still feature highly with 30 points awarded to their respective champions, with GP3 dropping to 25. One of the main losers has been the Formula V8 3.5 with the champion there only receiving 20 points compared to the previous 35, that puts the series on the same level as Japan’s Super Formula and the LMP2 class in the WEC.
The major Touring Car championships all offer 15 points including WTCC, DTM, Super GT and also now the NASCAR Cup. Australia’s Supercars series is not far behind with 13 points on offer.
IMSA Prototypes and Indy Lights have also been added with the latter giving 15 points and the prior just 12, these categories also come with the caveat that all road courses must meet to FIA standards.
These new figures will come into effect from next year and require any driver to have reached the total of 40 points over a three-year period.
