To get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, drivers must hold a Super License. In principle, obtaining such a license seems quite simple: one must accumulate 40 points across FIA-recognized racing series; however, the reality is rather complex.

It was first introduced in the early 1990s as a document drivers must possess if they wish to compete in the F1 World Championship. From its inception, the goal was to ensure that drivers entering the pinnacle of motorsport had experience with Formula 1 cars; however, in recent years, the Super License has become a topic of debate due to a change implemented in 2015.

Since that year, drivers have been required to accumulate 40 points in FIA-recognized racing series over a three-year period to qualify for a Super License.

In addition to these 40 points, a driver must be at least 18 years old at the time of their first Grand Prix weekend to participate. This rule was established in 2015 and is often referred to as the "Max Verstappen rule". He made his debut with the Toro Rosso team at age 17, and despite his immediate strong performance, not everyone was pleased to have a teenager in the paddock.

To prevent drivers from being drawn into the sport at too young an age, a minimum age requirement was set following his debut. Furthermore, a driver must hold an International Grade A Competition License. This is also earned by meeting a series of conditions, particularly in lower-level national racing categories. However, drivers usually obtain this well before they are even close to qualifying for a Super License.

Another relatively new rule is that a driver must hold a valid road-going driver's license from their home country. Verstappen, for instance, was already driving in Formula 1 before he was even legally allowed to drive on public roads in the Netherlands. That has changed since then, too.

Drivers must also pass a theory test. This doesn't ask whether you need to wear a seatbelt while driving; instead, it tests knowledge of Formula 1's technical and sporting regulations. The series involves a rather thick rulebook, so a certain amount of factual knowledge is required.

Additionally, a driver must have competed in a single-seater championship for at least two years, completing at least 80% of the season each year. They must also have driven 300 kilometers in a recent Formula 1 car. This is often done during free practice sessions or test days. And finally, the most debated requirement: the 40 points.

To qualify for a super license, a driver must have accumulated 40 super license points over the previous three years. These points can be earned by participating in FIA-recognized racing series or by completing free practice sessions in Formula 1. However, a maximum of three such sessions counts per season, meaning the vast majority of points must be earned in other competitions.

The most popular series for this are Formula 2 and Formula 3, though this has recently been a subject of debate. For example, in Formula 2, the driver finishing fourth in the championship is awarded 30 points, whereas the driver finishing fourth in IndyCar receives only 10. Colton Herta, for instance, faced this issue.

Applying for a Super License is anything but cheap, and the cost has risen several times in recent years. Although the exact figure is not known, the application cost is estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. Furthermore, it is valid for only 12 months, meaning this amount must be paid every year.

But that is not all. A driver must pay an additional fee based on their performance in the previous season. A charge is applied for every World Championship point scored. In 2012, this was nearly 1,300 euros per point. This implies that Verstappen paid over 500,000 euros for his Super License this year, whereas Mick Schumacher only had to pay the standard fee.

A Super License is not permanent. If a driver has not participated in an official Formula 1 event for three years, the license is revoked. This means a driver can spend a season or two on the sidelines—for instance, if they failed to secure a seat. After that, however, it is time to get back to work.