FIA: A points system for access to F1
The FIA has decided to tighten the access constraints to the Formula 1 World Championship for rookie drivers. It has thus formalized a new rule based on a points system for applicants wishing to enter F1 for the 2016 season.
The International Automobile Federation has decided to modify access to the super license starting in 2016 by introducing a points system, which will be earned by drivers based on their ranking in junior driver categories in previous years.
The aim is to make access to F1 more accessible to drivers who have delivered good performances, which hasn’t necessarily been the case in recent seasons, as mid- and lower-ranking teams sometimes prefer drivers with financial backing.
From 2016, applicants looking to enter the world of F1 will need to accumulate 40 points over a three-year period in various categories. Candidates for F1 seats must be 18 years old, spend two years in junior categories, and also hold a driver’s license. They must understand F1 regulations, and the requirement to cover 300 km remains unchanged.
Here below is the new ranking that will be implemented by the FIA.
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | |
| Future Formula 2 Championship | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| GP2 Series | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| European F3 Championship | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| World Endurance Championship (LMP1 only) | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| IndyCar | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| GP3 Series | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Formula Renault 3.5 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Japanese Super Formula | 20 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| National F4 Championships | 10 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| National F3 Championships | 10 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Formula Renault 2.0 (EuroCup, ALPS, NEC) | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
However, this announcement did not please everyone, notably Renault – which manages the World Series by Renault – according to Autosport. Indeed, the Formula Renault 3.5 is often considered a rival category to GP2 as the last step to F1, but the FIA has decided to award as many points to this championship as the GP3 Series and fewer than championships like the European F3 or IndyCar.
Some Formula Renault 3.5 team bosses, quoted by the British publication, have expressed concerns that this ranking could make the Formula Renault 2.0 and 3.5 championships less attractive to drivers compared to the other championships mentioned in the ranking.
