In order to compete in F-1, drivers must first earn a so-called FIA super license by successfully competing in lower-level series.
Once a pilot has earned this super license, it also becomes a financial burden as the pilot has to pay a certain amount of money for it before each season.
The basic “price” of a super license is 10.4 thousand euros, which is, of course, not an insignificant amount in a top-level sport such as F-1. That’s not all, because the pilot also has to pay for the success of his past season – 2.1 thousand for the point won.
“Haas” pilot Nico Hulkenberg, who replaced “Aston Martin” pilot Sebastian Vettel in two races last year and did not win any points, will be able to compete in the “cheap” 2023 championship.
At the other end of the F-1 points spectrum is “Red Bull” pilot Max Verstappen, who broke several records last year, including the most points in one season (454).
This means that Verstappen’s participation in the upcoming F-1 season will cost 963.8 thousand euros.
“I think it’s absurd. I think we shouldn’t have to pay so much. In other sports, this practice is not accepted. And the number of races is increasing,” said Verstappen.
“Red Bull” adviser Helmut Marko has said that this issue is stipulated in Verstappen’s contract and his super license is paid by the team.
