How to join top twenty drivers in Formula 1? Path and costs involved
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Surely, every motorsport enthusiast has wondered at least once: how can I become one of the top 20 drivers in the world racing in F1, and what are the costs involved? Below, we outline the typical path to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
As many of you may already know, reaching Formula 1 requires a lot of money, which is often not enough on its own. If a driver cannot deliver top performances, they will eventually be stopped. In this article, we examine the career of a very talented driver who manages to win championships in just a few years.
Phase 1: Karting Championships
The journey of every driver undoubtedly begins in the world of karting. This is where young talents are shaped, and it becomes clear whether their future lies in motorsport or elsewhere. Despite the apparent “simplicity” of karting, today’s various karting championships have reached enormous levels of competitiveness and cost.
Taking the WSK, the most renowned karting championship, as an example, a season costs approximately €100,000. Considering that a career in these categories lasts until the age of 14 or 15, after five years, expenses already total €500,000.
To this, one must add the costs of tests, track days, and training. To compete for top positions from the outset, a driver needs more track time than their competitors. After spending several years in karting and proving their speed, it's time to move on to single-seaters.
Phase 2: Debut in Formula Cars
The step into single-seaters typically begins with the Formula 4 championship. From here, a driver’s career might start receiving support from some Formula 1 teams that include them in their junior teams. Notable examples include Mercedes with Antonelli or Red Bull with Verstappen.
The cost of a season in Formula 4 is around €120,000 to €150,000. Accounting for one year to adapt and a second to aim for the title, expenses exceed €300,000. Moving up to Formula Regional doubles the costs, ranging from €500,000 to €750,000 per season.
Phase 3: Years in F3 and F2
The final step, essential for reaching Formula 1, is competing in F3 and F2. Here, considering top teams capable of delivering competitive results, costs skyrocket. In F3, the figures range from €800,000 to €1,000,000, while F2 can cost up to €3,000,000 per season.
Despite the costs, years in these two championships are crucial as they expedite the acquisition of the Super License, the FIA-issued permit certifying a driver's ability to compete in an F1 Grand Prix. This license is mandatory for qualifying and race participation but is not required for free practice sessions. But how is it obtained?
How to Obtain the Super License
The requirements for obtaining the Super License are: being at least 18 years old, holding an international Grade A driving license, and passing a theoretical test. Additionally, it is mandatory to have completed at least 80% of two seasons in one of the FIA-designated championships and to have earned 40 points over the previous four seasons. Points are awarded by the Federation based on championship results and vary depending on the importance of the category.
In addition to the points listed above, drivers can earn extra points: 1 point for driving an F1 car for at least 100 km during a free practice session, and 2 points for completing an FIA championship without incurring penalty points.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the costs to become an F1 driver are estimated at around €10 million. These, of course, may include sponsorships or funding from countries supporting the careers of young drivers (e.g., Mexico with Sergio Pérez).
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