F1 Academy has announced that the top five classified drivers in the 2024 Drivers Standings will receive FIA Super Licence points. Talented young women from the host region of the race weekend will also be picked as Wild Card entries at some races on the F1 Academy calendar. Changes have also been made to the Sporting Regulations to open the door to more young women.
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F1 Academy have announced that the top five classified drivers of 2024 will receive FIA Super Licence. The introduction of Super Licence points, according to F1 Academy, “represents recognition of F1 ACADEMY’s competition structure, commitment to driver development and the technical skills required to race in the series”. The announcement comes alongside the announcement of Wild Card drivers and a change to the Sporting Regulations.
The winner of F1 Academy in 2024 Drivers Championship will receive 10 Super Licence points and the second place driver will receive seven. Third place will be awarded five. Fourth and fifth place will receive three points and one point respectively.
Alongside the groundbreaking announcement of Super Licence points, certain F1 Academy races this season will include Wild Card drivers. Some races will see an extra driver on track as a Wild Card driver. F1 Academy say the aim is to recognise and nurture talented drivers outwith the series. F1 Academy will work with race promoters to identify young women from the host region of the race and offer them Wild Card entry for the F1 Academy races that weekend.
Reigning F1 Academy team champions PREMA will operate a Wild Card car on these weekends. This will run in addition to their three entries. They’ll also offer support and training to the Wild Card driver. What’s more, the Wild Card driver will be able to score points in the Drivers’ Standings.
However, we don’t know what F1 Academy races Wild Cards will be available at yet. F1 Academy say more details will be announced in due course.
Sporting Regulations Updated
Finally, an update has been made to the Sporting Regulations. To encourage progression in F1 Academy and to nurture the talent, drivers will now only be able to compete in two seasons of F1 Academy. The introduction of this rule, F1 Academy say, will ensure there are driving opportunities available every year for young women. Those rising through the ranks of karting and single seater series will have fresh opportunities each year.
Susie Wolff, F1 Academy Managing Director, said:
“After a positive inaugural season we are making two significant steps forward for 2024. 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.”
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Image credit: F1 Academy