F1: Superlicense system to be reviewed

The FIA is to conduct a review of the Formula 1 superlicense system in the wake of questions about the way that drivers are qualifying for them.

Debate about whether or not the superlicense conditions need tweaking have been prompted by the arrival of Max Verstappen (pictured) into F1 next season at just 17 years old after one season of car racing in European Formula 3.

Verstappen's instant graduation to F1 has an impact on the relevance of other categories like GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 to prepare drivers, regardless of whether or not he is ready for F1. Furthermore, talented and experienced racers like 2011 F3 Euro Series champion Roberto Merhi, who drove for Caterham in Monza practice, do not automatically qualify for superlicenses because of quirks in the timing of their success in open-wheel.

Discussions about the situation took place at last weekend's Italian Grand Prix, and the FIA has confirmed that the system is to be looked at.

A statement issued by the governing body said: "A mandate has been given to the FIA Administration to review the qualification and conditions for the issuing of a superlicense, in consultation with all parties concerned. A proposal will be put forward for WMSC approval in December for implementation in 2016."

McLAREN BACKS CHANGE

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier believes that the old superlicense criteria needed changing because of the way the modern F1 ladder has evolved.

"There are different problems. One is economic, in that some teams are selling Friday morning seats and are looking for some drivers who don't comply with the superlicense rules," he noted. "The other issue is that we have known for a few years that many, many [training] series have appeared and there is not a clear path to F1.

"If you go to football [soccer], you have your academy and then you go to League 3, League 2 and League 1. Here, we have different series and it is a bit confusing for drivers.

"So the superlicense needs to be a little bit updated in the way it is given. Some series have disappeared, some series are still on, and the level of each series varies a lot."