F1 Academy heats up with Superlicence points and two-season rule

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The all-female F1 Academy continues its quest to propel women racers towards Formula 1, with several important developments introduced into the series ahead of the 2024 season.

This year, the top five finishers in the championship will be awarded FIA superlicence points, a crucial element for drivers aiming to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

The 2024 champion will receive 10 Super Licence points, while the vice champion and third-place finisher will collect seven and five points respectively, with three points handed to the driver who classifies in fourth, and one point going to the fifth-placed driver.

While offering fewer points than the previous all-female W Series due to different car specifications, F1 Academy aligns its point system with other established junior single-seater series.

This creates a clearer path for drivers to accumulate the 40 points needed for F1 eligibility.

Read also: Red Bull announces driver line-up for 2024 F1 Academy

Additionally, Wild Card entries will be available at select rounds, a change that opens the door for regional talent and further diversifies the grid.

Last year's champions, Prema, are granted the exclusive privilege of fielding an additional wildcard driver, promoting regional talent and engaging local communities.

This initiative reflects F1 Academy's commitment to expanding its reach and fostering diverse talent pools.

Finally, drivers will only be able to compete in the series for two seasons, encouraging progression and creating opportunities for fresh faces to compete.

“After a positive inaugural season we are making two significant steps forward for 2024,” commented Susie Wolff, F1 Academy Managing Director.

“Our top five drivers receiving FIA Super Licence points is testament to the strength of F1 Academy’s on track proposition and will help fuel their progression as they move up the single seater pyramid.

“The introduction of the Wild Card entrants will promote regional talent, engage with local communities, and increase the talent pool in the regions in which we race which will be important for our long-term growth and ensure we are creating even more opportunities for women to get involved in our sport.”

As a reminder, all F1 Academy events this year will take place on Grand Prix weekends, with a campaign that will kick off in Saudi Arabia in March and which will then move on to Miami, Barcelona, Zandvoort, Marina Bay in Singapore and finally to Qatar.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.