IndyCar gets major boost as F1 super licence points system changes
The path from IndyCar to Formula 1 just got easier. The FIA has revamped its super licence points system, giving IndyCar drivers a much better shot at making the jump to F1.
Starting in 2026, IndyCar’s top 10 finishers will receive significantly more points toward the all-important F1 super licence.
The new system will award points in this order: 40-30-25-20-15-10-8-6-3-1, a substantial increase from the current 40-30-20-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 format that has frustrated many American racing stars.
This change makes IndyCar second only to Formula 2 in terms of super licence points, essentially recognizing the high skill level of the American open-wheel series.
For years, talented IndyCar drivers have hit a wall when trying to move to F1 because they couldn’t collect enough of these crucial points.
Colton Herta knows this problem all too well. The nine-time IndyCar race winner nearly joined AlphaTauri in 2023, but the deal collapsed when he fell short on super licence points.
Herta, who recently signed as a reserve driver for Cadillac’s F1 project, isn’t waiting around for another opportunity to slip away.
He’s taking matters into his own hands by jumping to Formula 2.
The California native will race for Hitech TGR in F2 next season, gaining valuable experience in F1’s main feeder series while potentially collecting more super licence points.
The revised system could be a game-changer for several IndyCar stars. Accomplished drivers like Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon will now have enough points to be eligible for an F1 seat if the opportunity arises.
It’s a move that finally acknowledges what many racing fans have argued for years – that IndyCar’s competition level deserves more recognition in the F1 qualification pathway.
F2 still maintains its position as the premier F1 feeder series, awarding points to its top 10 finishers in this order: 40-40-40-30-20-10-8-6-4-3.
With these changes, expect to see more American and IndyCar talent eyeing a jump to the Formula 1 grid in coming years.
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