Guides

Guides

Plain-English explanations of the rules behind the tracker.

• How F1 penalty points workF1 drivers carry penalty points on their FIA super licence. Twelve in twelve months means a race ban. Here is how points are given, how they expire and what happens at twelve.
• What a driver needs for an F1 super licenceAn F1 super licence is earned, not bought. A driver needs 40 eligibility points from junior championships, plus age, experience and test requirements.
• The road to F1: how the junior ladder worksMost F1 drivers climb the same ladder: karting, F4, regional F3, Formula 3, then Formula 2. Here is what each step is for and where super licence points come from.
• Why F1 penalty points almost disappeared in 2026The 2026 season started with months of races and no penalty points at all. A change in the FIA's driving standards guidelines explains why.
• Rookies to watch: who could reach F1 nextWhich junior drivers have the super licence points and the backing to step up? A look at the 2026 F2 and F3 front-runners.