Formula 2 is set to be prioritised as the main route for young drivers to reach Formula 1 with an overhaul of the points system for superlicences, according to series Technical Director Didier Perrin.
Currently, a driver wishing to reach F1 must attain 40 points on his superlicence over a three-year period which are earned from results in other championships. However, various series including IndyCar, Formula E, LMP1 in WEC and European F3 match F2 in offering the full 40 points to their champions, offering a number of paths by which to reach the goal.
Since the former GP2 series was rebranded for this year, the governing body has sought to increase its stature and now it looks set to stand alone as the second highest rung on the motorsport ladder.
“The superlicence points system is going to be revised,” Perrin told Autosport. “It’s going to become almost compulsory to race in F2 – it won’t be mandatory in theory, but it will be the preferred path to F1.”
The reason for the introduction of the points system was to try and increase the level of experience drivers have before they race in F1, following the rapid rise of Max Verstappen in 2014 barely a year out of karting, and to try and ensure talented drivers are rewarded by getting greater opportunities.
“It’s very important – we want to give some value back to the driver’s competitiveness rather than their wallet,” Perrin continued. “It will promote F2 a lot, as it will be the category that gives the most points and the best technical preparation to go to F1.
“It will be published soon. I don’t want to speak on behalf of the FIA since the FIA is going to give it, but everything will be done for F2 to become almost a prerequisite for F1.”
The FIA has also looked to make F2 the most accurate representation of racing in F1 in a junior series and, at Monza, introduced the new 2018 car which follows the 2017 F1 design changes, features the Halo and will see a turbocharged engine replace the current naturally aspirated V8.
“We think the performance and positioning of the current F2 car are very much what the drivers need to prepare for F1,” Perrin explained, revealing the new car will not be faster.
“Our goal was not to go quicker, we just want to have the same level of performance as the current car, but with a car which is closer to F1, so that the drivers are better prepared for F1.”
