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Core Criteria for the FIA Super Licence
Formula 1 drivers must hold a valid FIA Super Licence in order to race in the top category of motorsport. Governed by Appendix L, Article 13.1 of the International Sporting Code, this licence represents the highest level issued by the FIA. Drivers must satisfy strict requirements to qualify before applying for this tier of competition licence.
Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age for the first day of their first Formula 1 competition, marked by the opening day of their debut Grand Prix weekend. They must already hold an International Grade A competition licence, which applies to single-seaters and prototypes with a weight-to-power ratio less than or equal to 1 kg/hp.
Candidates must also pass an FIA theory test, demonstrating their knowledge of the various Formula 1 codes and regulations.
Championship Experience and Age Exceptions
Beyond holding an International Grade A licence and completing theory testing, applicants must show relevant competition experience. Drivers must complete at least 80 percent of each of two full seasons in qualifying single-seater championships outlined by the FIA. Candidates must also accumulate at least 40 points of super licence weighting, based on finishing positions across recognized series.
At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Super Licence at the age of 17 years old. This was allowed for Arvid Lindblad before he turned 18, for instance.
Accumulating the 40-Point Threshold
To gather the mandatory 40 points, the FIA totals the points a driver scored over the three calendar years immediately prior to the application year. Point weightings reward higher championship finishing positions. For example, a driver progressing through junior categories could earn 12 points for winning a Formula 4 series, 15 points for finishing fourth in Formula 3, and further points by finishing fifth in Formula 2 across consecutive seasons.
FIA-sanctioned championships award points on a more even basis across their standings. While winning the IndyCar title yields 40 points, its distribution falls at a faster rate down the finishing order than distributions used for Formula 2 and Formula 3.
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Discretionary Waivers and Test Mileage
Drivers who have scored 30 points of super licence weighting can also be eligible at the discretion of the FIA. This pathway applies when the driver could not reach the 40-point threshold due to circumstances outside their control or reasons of force majeure. Red Bull attempted to secure a licence for IndyCar driver Colton Herta under this caveat, but the effort resulted in failure.
For drivers applying outside the standard 40-point rule, the applying team must show the driver drove at least 300 kilometres in a representative contemporary Formula 1 car consistently at racing speeds over a period of two days. This running must occur within 180 days prior to application and must be certified by the relevant national sporting authority (ASN) or take place during an official test or Grand Prix weekend.
Returning Drivers and Free Practice Licences
Drivers who previously held a Super Licence and are returning to the sport can be considered for a Super Licence again once they have completed at least 100 kilometres during a free practice session at a Grand Prix in any of the three years prior to application. Robert Kubica, for example, went over five years without driving an F1 car after a rallying crash in 2011 before returning.
Drivers whose licence has not been used in the three most recent seasons can also apply, though the FIA reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis to assess recent and consistent ability in single-seater cars. For instance, 2016 champion Nico Rosberg would not receive automatic approval, requiring practice running to demonstrate capability.
Junior drivers can apply for a free practice only super licence to participate in Grand Prix practice sessions. First-time applicants must complete at least six events in Formula 2 or earn at least 25 super licence points during the three years before applying. The FIA issues these practice licences on a probationary basis, subject to review at any time.
Annual Fees and Renewal Costs
Because super licences are issued for only one calendar year at a time, drivers must pay significant sums annually to maintain active status. The FIA charges licence holders a fixed base fee each year alongside an additional fee for every championship point scored in Formula 1. When drivers score championship points (2026 F1 race and sprint points scoring), their total renewal fee increases accordingly.
The FIA keeps exact licence fees quiet and does not publish them officially. However, figures known from ten years prior set the initial licence cost at €10,000, plus an additional renewal fee of €2,000 per championship point. Under those figures, Max Verstappen's renewal for 2022 after winning the 2021 title with 395.5 points would have exceeded €800,000.
Sources: FIA Super Licence explained: How drivers achieve the licence needed for F1.
