To compete in Formula 1, drivers must hold an FIA Super Licence. This ensures drivers are fully prepared and qualified to participate in the top series, preventing potential safety issues from arising.

A major requirement of the licence is points—and a driver must hold 40 points to qualify. Many series offer these points on a sliding scale depending on where a driver finishes in a season. The biggest provider of these points is Formula 2, the stepping stone junior series to Formula 1.

In recent years, questions have been raised over the allocation of points in series. One in particular is America’s IndyCar, which is a top-level series in its own right. Historically, with few points on offer, IndyCar remained a separate entity, and drivers struggled to switch from the U.S. series. But, in a revolutionary move, the points allocation has now been adjusted.

FIA Super Licence

To prevent unqualified drivers from joining Formula 1, the FIA introduced the Super Licence in the 1990s. The licence has five requirements before it is gained:

1. Drivers must be holders of an International Grade A competition license.
2. Drivers must be 18 years old at the start of their first F1 competition.
3. Drivers must pass an FIA theory test on the sporting codes and regulations of F1.
4. Drivers must have completed at least 80% of two full seasons in a championship series.
5. Drivers must have accumulated at least 40 points over the past three seasons.

Whilst some amendments have been made over the years, notably Max Verstappen’s entrance bringing about a minimum age limit, the requirements have remained in place since its inception.

Points can be gained through high finishes in series but also by participating in Formula 1 Free Practice Sessions, not receiving penalty points in a season, and winning historic races such as the Macau Grand Prix. To participate in a Free Practice Session, drivers must hold at least 25 points or have done six races in Formula 2.

Colton Herta: A Case Study

A range of series offer these crucial points, and rarely are the points allocations changed. However, in recent years, the allocation for IndyCar has been discussed. Despite being a top series, the points on offer are less than feeder series F2, and only by winning can you accumulate the amount needed.

IndyCar veteran Colton Herta brought this topic to light. Initially, he was considered for a seat in Formula 1. However, he was unable to go for it due to a lack of Super Licence points. In 2026, he’ll be taking a step back and joining F2 in an attempt to make up the points he needs to join F1.

Herta was proof that whilst F1 drivers could swap straight to IndyCar, it wasn’t as straightforward the other way around. With few points available, it suggested that FIA put little value on other series despite their talent and history.

However, with more junior drivers joining the American sport, IndyCar is solidifying its place as an alternative to F1. Today, the FIA announced an adjustment to the points IndyCar finishers receive, suggesting they’re finally acknowledging the series and its position as a potential pipeline to F1.

IndyCar Super Licence Points

The winning driver of IndyCar receives the all-hallowed 40 points. Behind them, there was a sliding scale for the Top 10 in the championship standings. In the new system, which will come into effect from the 2026 season, the points awarded for 2nd-6th place have all increased.

Position	Previous	New
1st	40	40
2nd	25	30
3rd	20	25
4th	15	20
5th	10	15
6th	8	10
7th	8	8
8th	6	6
9th	3	3
10th	1	1

Whilst this revision sees IndyCar still have fewer Super Licence Points than Formula 2, it is a step in the right direction. This choice will provide more options for younger drivers in their journey to Formula 1 and potentially change the motorsports ladder in the long run.

Under this new scale, Herta would still be short of just one point, meaning he’d still be required to participate in Formula 2. The points revision is a clear step in the right direction, but has it come too late?