The Drivers: What It Takes to Compete in Formula One
Drivers competing in Formula 1, the highest level of motorsport, must meet strict eligibility requirements. Chief among these is holding a Super Licence.
To obtain a Super Licence, a driver must be at least 18 years old, have accumulated 40 or more Super Licence points, and receive final approval from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) after completing medical examinations and safety training.
Super Licence points are awarded based on results achieved in FIA-sanctioned racing series. Points are available across many categories worldwide, but the highest allocations are assigned to series regarded as being closest to Formula 1 in competitiveness and level.
In particular, the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the IndyCar Series award 40 points to the series champion, which alone qualifies a driver for a Super Licence. Within Formula 2, the top three finishers each receive 40 points, making the series widely regarded as the final step on the pathway to Formula 1.
Other championships awarding 30 points to the champion include the FIA Formula 3 Championship, the FIA Formula E World Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship (Hypercar class), and Super Formula (Japan).
In addition, up to 10 supplementary points may be awarded for participation in Formula 1 Free Practice sessions under FIA-defined conditions. Super Licence points are calculated based on results from the most recent three seasons.
The Super Licence system has undergone multiple revisions over time in response to changes in motorsport and competitive environments. The increased allocation of points to Japan’s Super Formula and the United States’ IndyCar Series is a relatively recent development, reflecting the growing internationalization and competitive standard of these categories. The minimum age requirement of 18 years was introduced in 2016, following debate over driver age limits triggered by Max Verstappen, who made his Formula 1 debut at the age of 17. Subsequently, the FIA added a provision allowing discretionary approval for 17-year-old drivers from 2025 onward. This amendment is widely understood to have enabled the issuance of a Super Licence to Kimi Antonelli, who made his Formula 1 debut in 2025.
A Super Licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. This requirement also applies to participating Formula 1 drivers. However, continued participation in Formula 1 is itself recognized by the FIA as meeting renewal criteria, and licences are generally renewed unless serious safety violations or misconduct occur.
While possession of a Super Licence is mandatory, it does not guarantee a seat in Formula 1. Exceptional driving skill is essential, but teams also place importance on communication skills, professionalism, and personal conduct. In some cases, financial backing may also be a factor.
In the 2026 season, 22 regular drivers will compete in the Formula 1 World Championship, with each team additionally registering one reserve driver for participation in Grand Prix events.
