Absolutely, each motorsport fanatic has puzzled at the very least as soon as: how can I turn out to be one of many prime 20 drivers on the earth racing in F1, and what are the prices concerned? Under, we define the everyday path to succeed in the top of motorsport.
As a lot of you might already know, reaching System 1 requires some huge cash, which is commonly not sufficient by itself. If a driver can’t ship prime performances, they may finally be stopped. On this article, we look at the profession of a really gifted driver who manages to win championships in only a few years.
Section 1: Karting Championships
The journey of each driver undoubtedly begins on the earth of karting. That is the place younger skills are formed, and it turns into clear whether or not their future lies in motorsport or elsewhere. Regardless of the obvious “simplicity” of karting, at this time’s varied karting championships have reached huge ranges of competitiveness and price.
Taking the WSK, essentially the most famend karting championship, for instance, a season prices roughly €100,000. Contemplating {that a} profession in these classes lasts till the age of 14 or 15, after 5 years, bills already whole €500,000.
To this, one should add the prices of checks, observe days, and coaching. To compete for prime positions from the outset, a driver wants extra observe time than their opponents. After spending a number of years in karting and proving their pace, it’s time to maneuver on to single-seaters.
Section 2: Debut in System Automobiles
The step into single-seaters usually begins with the System 4 championship. From right here, a driver’s profession may begin receiving assist from some System 1 groups that embrace them of their junior groups. Notable examples embrace Mercedes with Antonelli or Purple Bull with Verstappen.
The price of a season in System 4 is round €120,000 to €150,000. Accounting for one yr to adapt and a second to intention for the title, bills exceed €300,000. Transferring as much as System Regional doubles the prices, starting from €500,000 to €750,000 per season.
Section 3: Years in F3 and F2
The ultimate step, important for reaching System 1, is competing in F3 and F2. Right here, contemplating prime groups able to delivering aggressive outcomes, prices skyrocket. In F3, the figures vary from €800,000 to €1,000,000, whereas F2 can price as much as €3,000,000 per season.
Regardless of the prices, years in these two championships are essential as they expedite the acquisition of the Tremendous License, the FIA-issued allow certifying a driver’s potential to compete in an F1 Grand Prix. This license is obligatory for qualifying and race participation however is just not required totally free apply periods. However how is it obtained?
Tips on how to Receive the Tremendous License
The necessities for acquiring the Tremendous License are: being at the very least 18 years outdated, holding a world Grade A driving license, and passing a theoretical take a look at. Moreover, it’s obligatory to have accomplished at the very least 80% of two seasons in one of many FIA-designated championships and to have earned 40 factors over the earlier 4 seasons. Factors are awarded by the Federation primarily based on championship outcomes and fluctuate relying on the significance of the class.
Along with the factors listed above, drivers can earn additional factors: 1 level for driving an F1 automobile for at the very least 100 km throughout a free apply session, and a pair of factors for finishing an FIA championship with out incurring penalty factors.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the prices to turn out to be an F1 driver are estimated at round €10 million. These, in fact, could embrace sponsorships or funding from international locations supporting the careers of younger drivers (e.g., Mexico with Sergio Pérez).
Jan 7, 2025
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
