The FIA’s new superlicence requirements have drawn some criticism after it became apparent that several world champions wouldn’t have qualified had the system been in place when they started their Formula 1 careers.
The governing body insists that young drivers rack up 40 points in junior categories before they’re eligible for a superlicence, allowing them to compete in F1.
Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen are among those who wouldn’t have qualified, nor would three-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo and quite possibly his former team-mate and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.
The FIA however says it is open to tweaking the systems in future if it’s found that certain categories are weighted too heavily, or vice versa.
“We believe the points system will result in the best, most talented and most deserving young drivers making the step up to racing’s most prestigious category,” said a spokesperson.
“Naturally, however, conditions on the racing landscape change and the system will be subject to review when necessary.”
Another criticism was that Michael Schumacher’s comeback in 2010 wouldn’t have happened as he too wouldn’t have qualified for a licence to race, having previously retired and been away from racing for several years.
The FIA is open to exceptions however and says instances such as Schumacher’s comeback, wouldn’t be blocked, but put before the World Motor Sport Council for discussion.
“Of course if a genuine exception, like the Michael Schumacher case, came along, we would always have the possibility to consult the WMSC.”
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