The new FIA Super licence ratified yesterday has had some changes most notable of which being the inclusion of NASCAR, Indy Lights and IMSA – the US Sportscar series.
This means that NASCAR’s Cup winners from the last 3 seasons could join the Formula One grid next year if they have taken the crown twice and got a top 3 points finish in 3 years. At present, the closest driver who could achieve that is Kyle Busch should he take the be crown champion in this years NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series. He currently sits 5th with 9 races to go.
The fact is that it’s very unlikely the current crop of NASCAR drivers would transition over to Formula One but it is telling that the FIA have included these extra US series, most likely in light of the new American owners Liberty Media taking the majority share of Formula One.
Drivers hoping to earn an F1 super licence must have earned at least 40 points over a three-year period.
The notable reductions in points have been aimed at WEC LMP1 category, Japan’s Super Formula, Euro F3, Formula E and GP3.
New F1 superlicence points system
Formula 2: 40, 40, 40, 30, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3
GP2 (2015-16): 40, 40, 30, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2
IndyCar: 40, 30, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
European F3: 30, 25, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
Formula E: 30, 25, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
WEC LMP1: 30, 24, 20, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
GP3: 25, 20, 15, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
Formula V8 3.5: 20, 15, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
Super Formula: 20, 15, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
WEC LMP2: 20, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
WTCC: 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
DTM: 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
Super GT: 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
NASCAR Cup: 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
Indy Lights: 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
Supercars: 13, 11, 9, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
IMSA Prototype: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
National FIA F4: 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1
National F3: 10, 7, 5, 3, 1
Formula Renault Eurocup, ALPS, NEC: 10, 7, 5, 3, 1
Formula Mazda: 10, 7, 5, 3, 1
NASCAR national: 10, 7, 5, 3, 1
Asian/ELMS prototype: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
WEC GTE Pro: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
WEC GTE Am: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
IMSA GTLM: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
International GT3 series: 6, 4, 2
Formula Academy (FFSA): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
CIK-FIA world karting championships (senior): 4, 3, 2, 1
CIK-FIA continental karting championships (senior): 4, 3, 2, 1
CIK-FIA world karting championships (junior): 3, 2, 1
CIK-FIA continental karting championships (junior): 3, 2, 1
While the FIA has lowered the bar(a little) for American drivers to move to F1, I would not expect a mad rush west to east to F1. There’s still the teams and their need for cash through pay drivers or ones with sponsorship deals. And then we American fans remember what happened to Alex Rossi at Manor. On second thought, NASCAR drivers have very lucrative individual sponsorship deals.
And F1 fans remember (well some will) when Philip Morris put Michael Andretti, the “World Cart Champion”, into McLaren.
Everyone with any historical knowledge admit that Michael had the talent, but followed the advise ofor his father and did not move to fully integrate with the team.
Nice attempt at a digital though.
Actually, salaries for NASCAR drivers are dropping like stones.
Corporate sponsorship is shrinking. Case in point is Kurt Busch; he has an option on his contract with Stewart-Haas that is not being taken up. The team doe expect Busch to remain meaning that they are going to pay him less, and they don’t think he’s going to get a better offer.
The big sponsor money is drying-up and has been for several years as evidenced by the very few full season sponsorships present.
Remember when Sebastien Loeb tried to race but was denied a superlicense? So, if it were today, would he be allowed?
Rally achievement has never given drivers points for a super licence
Which Current INDYCAR Drivers Names Are Immediately Eligible To Race In F1 ?
GO, 44 ! ( ANY TRUE F1 FAN KNOWS THERE ARE NO TEAM ORDERS ON SATURDAYS )
Pagenaud, Dixon, Power, & Newgard
Thank You.
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GO, 44 ! ( ANY TRUE F1 FAN KNOWS THERE ARE NO TEAM ORDERS ON SATURDAYS )