As of October 2025, to qualify for a Super Licence, an applicant must meet the requirements of the FIA's International Sporting Code, Appendix L, Article 13. This includes holding an International Grade A competition licence, being at least 18 years old at the start of their first F1 competition, passing an FIA theory test on knowledge of the F1 sporting codes and regulations, and completing at least 80% of each of two full seasons of any of the Championships reported in Supplement 1 of the regulations. Additionally, applicants must accumulate at least 40 points over the previous three seasons in any combination of the championships reported in Supplement 1 of the regulations.
The FIA also allows for an exception to the minimum age requirement, permitting drivers to be issued a Super Licence at 17 years old at the discretion of the FIA.
Points are awarded according to the applicable regulatory text of the year in which the final championship result has been achieved. A driver can earn points from either 1 or 2 series in a calendar year, and the results from a maximum of 2 championships can be accumulated from a single calendar year. Drivers may also earn additional points for winning the Macau Grand Prix in different formula categories.
The FIA also issues a Free Practice Only Super Licence, introduced in 2019. This requires a minimum age of 18, an International Grade A licence, passing the FIA theory test, and completion of either six races in Formula 2, or accumulating 25 Super Licence points in eligible championships over the previous three years.
Super Licences are issued annually and subject to a 12-month probation period. The FIA can review and withdraw a licence if standards are not met during this period. Drivers accrue penalty points for driving infractions. Since 2014, a total of 12 penalty points in a 12-month period has resulted in a one-race ban. Kevin Magnussen received a one-race ban for the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix via this methodology.
The cost of a Super Licence has increased significantly over time. As of December 2024, the basic fee is €11,453, with an additional fee per point earned. Max Verstappen paid a record €1,217,900 for his 2024 licence, based on his 2023 results.
The nationality that appears on a driver’s racing licence is identical to a driver's passport. This has led to occasional discrepancies on official entry lists and podium ceremonies.
This article is based solely on the corpus provided: the FIA documentation regarding the Super Licence. No external sources were consulted, including autobiographies, primary archives, period programmes, or specialist publications.