FIA Updates Superlicense Points Allocation for IndyCar Series

The recent adjustments to the superlicense points system by the FIA for the IndyCar Series have generated positive reactions from various figures within the racing community, particularly from Tony Kanaan, the team principal of Arrow McLaren. This change, which will take effect with the championship season in 2026, aligns the IndyCar Series more closely with Formula 1 standards.

The FIA World Motor Sport Council held its final meeting for 2025 on Wednesday, during which several significant changes were made across numerous racing series, including those affecting North America’s top open-wheel championship. These updates are seen as a step forward in recognizing the competitive nature of IndyCar racing.

Changes to Superlicense Points Distribution

Previously, the allocation of superlicense points in the IndyCar championship for the top ten finishers was structured as follows: 40 points for first place, 30 for second, 20 for third, and so on down to one point for tenth place. The new system will modify this distribution to 40 points for the winner, 30 for second place, 25 for third, and a descending scale down to one point for the tenth position.

This revised points system brings IndyCar closer to the structure of Formula 1, which is often viewed as the pinnacle of motorsport. With this update, IndyCar is now positioned as a more viable feeder series for aspiring Formula 1 drivers, although it still trails behind Formula 2, which has a points distribution of 40-40-40-30-20-10-8-6-4-3, and ahead of Formula 3, which is set at 30-25-20-15-12-9-7-5-3-2.

Kanaan’s Perspective on the Changes

Tony Kanaan expressed his support for the new superlicense points system, emphasizing that the competitiveness of IndyCar is undeniable. He stated, “No one doubts that IndyCar is one of the most competitive racing series in the world, and I’m glad the FIA is acknowledging that by increasing the points to be more comparable to F2.” Kanaan believes that this update is beneficial not only for the series itself but also for the drivers aiming for a future in Formula 1.

He further elaborated that an IndyCar driver should not have to transition to a feeder series to validate their skills for competing at higher levels. This sentiment resonates with many in the IndyCar paddock, who have long argued that the series showcases incredible talent and competitive racing.

The Context of Superlicense Eligibility

The superlicense points system plays a crucial role in determining a driver’s eligibility to compete in Formula 1. One prominent driver affected by these changes is Colton Herta. Since bursting onto the scene at the end of the 2018 season, Herta has been recognized as one of the most promising talents in IndyCar. He made history by becoming the youngest race winner at just 18 years and 11 months old in 2019.

However, Herta’s journey toward securing a superlicense has been fraught with challenges. Despite a strong performance in the IndyCar championship, he found himself in a complicated situation regarding his superlicense points. In 2023, Herta missed out on a potential debut with AlphaTauri due to having only 32 superlicense points, even though he had impressive finishes in the championship from 2019 to 2021.

As he approached the 2025 season, Herta had accumulated 31 superlicense points. Under the previous criteria, he needed to secure a fourth-place finish in the championship or finish fifth while also participating in an FP1 session to qualify for a superlicense. Unfortunately, Herta ended the season in seventh place, which put him at a disadvantage. Despite this setback, he was eventually brought on as a test driver for Cadillac’s Formula 1 team, which indicates that his talent has not gone unnoticed.

Pathway to Formula 1

In pursuit of his Formula 1 ambitions, Herta decided to leave IndyCar at the end of the 2025 season to compete in Formula 2 with Hitech. This move was strategic, aimed at accumulating the necessary superlicense points to secure a seat in Formula 1 by 2027. To achieve this, Herta must either finish in eighth place, or he could potentially qualify with a tenth-place finish combined with multiple appearances in free practice sessions.

Currently, only a handful of drivers are eligible for superlicense points based on their performances over the past three seasons. These include Alex Palou with 120 points, Scott Dixon with 56 points, Pato O’Ward with 48 points, and Scott McLaughlin with 41 points. The new points distribution will only be applicable for points scored from the 2026 season onward, which may reshape the competitive landscape of IndyCar and its drivers’ pathways to Formula 1.

The Impacts of the New System

The adjustments to the superlicense points allocation are poised to have several implications for the IndyCar Series and its competitors. By aligning the points distribution more closely with that of Formula 2, the FIA is effectively enhancing the visibility and credibility of IndyCar as a legitimate stepping stone for drivers aiming for Formula 1. This new framework could encourage more young talent to pursue a career in IndyCar, knowing that their efforts will be recognized in the context of Formula 1 eligibility.

Moreover, this change may also attract more sponsorship and investment into the IndyCar Series. As the series gains a reputation as a serious contender in the motorsport hierarchy, teams could see increased interest from sponsors looking to associate their brands with a competitive and successful racing series. This influx of resources could further elevate the quality of racing and the overall experience for both teams and fans.

Conclusion

The FIA’s decision to revise the superlicense points allocation for the IndyCar Series is a significant development that reflects the growing recognition of the series’ competitiveness and the talent it houses. With influential figures like Tony Kanaan backing these changes, the future looks promising for IndyCar and its drivers as they navigate their paths toward Formula 1. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these adjustments impact the championship and the drivers’ aspirations to compete on the world stage.