The process of obtaining the Super Licence will be reviewed by the FIA
The FIA has decided to launch a review to reconsider the eligibility conditions for a driver to obtain a Super License, an essential requirement for driving in F1. If a new process is found, it should not come into effect until 2016.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) will conduct a review to reconsider its Super License acquisition system, an essential requirement for driving a Formula 1 car.
The question was notably raised following the appointment of Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015, the Dutchman will be only 17 years old at the start of his career, an age that does not allow him to obtain a driver’s license in his country but thanks to 400 kilometers of tests recently completed, he can apply for a Super License even though he has only one season of single-seater competition behind him.
But some more experienced drivers, like Roberto Mehri in particular – F3 Euro Series champion in 2011 and who drove for Caterham during FP1 at Monza – have difficulty obtaining a Super License.
The problem was addressed in Monza during the Italian Grand Prix as Toto Wolff stated, quoted by GMM: “We have had discussions and we think that Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and Formula 1 drivers should be people who inspire, drivers who inspire, and they should be qualified.”
The FIA also confirmed the information through a statement: A mandate has been entrusted to the FIA Administration to review the qualifications and conditions for obtaining a Super License, in consultation with all concerned parties. A proposal will be submitted for approval to the World Motor Sport Council in December for implementation in 2016.
The measure was particularly welcomed by Eric Boullier, McLaren’s racing director, who told *Autosport* that times have changed since the current system was implemented and that a revision of the process is a good thing: « There are several issues. One is economic, because some teams sell Friday morning slots and look for drivers who do not necessarily meet the Super License regulations. The other issue is that we know in recent years many championships have emerged and there is no clear path to reach F1. If you take football, you have the training center and then division 3, division 2, and division 1. Here, we have different championships, and it’s a bit confusing for drivers. So the Super License needs to be updated in its process of obtaining. Some championships have disappeared, some are still there, and the level of each championship varies enormously. »
