Every year, Formula 1 drivers must pay for a Super Licence to continue competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. But did you know this licence is far from being a simple driving permit?
Its cost is calculated based on the points scored during the previous season, and for Max Verstappen, the four-time F1 World Champion, the bill is always astronomical. However, in 2025, he’ll save compared to 2024. Here we’ll explain why and how the cost system for the Super Licence works.
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A hefty bill for Verstappen, the 2024 F1 Champion
F1 drivers don’t all pay the same amount for their Super Licence. This mandatory certification starts at €11,453 ($12,050) for everyone, but each point scored adds €2,313 ($2,433) to the total. In 2023, Verstappen smashed records with 575 points, resulting in a bill of approximately $1,41 million for the 2024 season. Thankfully for him (and his wallet), his 2024 tally dropped to 437 points, bringing the cost down to about $1.075 million for 2025. Rest assured, it’s highly likely that his team, Red Bull Racing, is paying. It’s still the highest bill on the grid, but for Max, it’s a welcome saving! By the same calculation, we can estimate what other drivers will pay:
- Lando Norris (McLaren): $920,000
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): $880,000
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari in 2025): $555,000
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine): $115,000
These are only estimates calculated based on the current dollar exchange rate, as the amounts are typically paid in Euros to the FIA.
Just in case you wondered, that’s how an F1 Super License looks 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/6Q9KRNrxvv
— Louis Delétraz (@LouisDeletraz) August 3, 2022
What makes a Super Licence so special?
The Super Licence is more than just an administrative document. Created in 1984, it acts as a passport to F1, reserved for drivers who’ve proven their talent in other categories. To obtain this coveted licence, a driver must accumulate 40 points based on their results in championships like FIA F2, often called the gateway to F1, or IndyCar. This system helps the FIA ensure that unprepared or inexperienced drivers don’t jump into F1. The Super Licence guarantees a certain level of professionalism and performance. However, the FIA occasionally makes exceptions. If a young talent demonstrates extraordinary maturity, they can secure their licence as early as 17 years old. Max Verstappen benefited from such a waiver, as did Kimi Antonelli this year, the future Mercedes AMG driver who will partner with George Russell.
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IndyCar drivers eyeing F1 with Cadillac’s project
With Cadillac joining as an official team in 2026, rumors are swirling about potential transfers from IndyCar to F1. Names like Colton Herta and Álex Palou are frequently mentioned. But before these drivers can take their place on the F1 grid, they too must earn the 40 points required for their Super Licence. To achieve this, strong performances in the 2025 IndyCar season will be crucial. If all goes well, we could soon see them battling against the world’s top 20 drivers.
This article explores the cost structure of the FIA Super Licence, why it’s essential for F1 drivers, and how rising stars from other motorsport categories, like IndyCar, could join the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac’s arrival. Would you pay over a million just to keep racing? Verstappen does!
Image: © Getty Images – Red Bull Content pool
