The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has implemented a revision to the way Super Licence points are awarded for results in the IndyCar championship, and this update has created an ironic predicament for one of America’s most prominent racing talents, Colton Herta. The changes were designed to better reflect the increasing stature of IndyCar and to make it easier for drivers in that series to meet the eligibility requirements for a Formula One Super Licence. However, the timing of the overhaul has puzzled fans and analysts alike, especially given Herta’s recent decision to leave IndyCar and pursue a route through Formula Two (F2) instead.
For context, Super Licence points are a prerequisite for drivers who wish to compete in Formula One (F1). To be eligible for a Super Licence, a driver must earn at least 40 points over a three-year period by competing in various recognised series — commonly through F2 and other FIA-sanctioned feeder championships. Historically, IndyCar syndicates have earned fewer of these points compared to the FIA’s own junior formula categories, which are designed to funnel talent into F1. Under the previous system, only the IndyCar champion earned the full 40 points in a year — enough on its own to qualify for a Super Licence — while lesser positions in the championship awarded significantly fewer points.
Herta’s situation highlights the flaw critics have flagged: despite being a standout performer in IndyCar with multiple race wins and runner-up finishes, he has struggled to reach the 40-point threshold due to how modestly the series was valued in the Super Licence points allocation. In 2024, he finished second in the IndyCar standings, yet that result alone did not push him above the required threshold. In fact, his total points tallied from recent seasons placed him below what he needed to qualify for a Super Licence based solely on his IndyCar performance.
To try to rectify this and enhance his prospects of one day driving in Formula One, Herta made a bold strategic decision: he opted to leave IndyCar — where he had already made his mark — and commit to racing in Formula Two for the 2026 season, while also serving as a test and development driver for the new Cadillac F1 team. Cadillac’s entry into F1 in 2026 links Herta to a potential future seat, but only if he can fulfill the Super Licence points requirement through his F2 campaign or other means such as free practice appearances.
F2, by design, is more generous in its allocation of Super Licence points: the top three finishers in the championship each receive the full 40 points, and strong results down the order still reward significant totals. This is because F2 is expressly positioned as the final step on the FIA’s driver development ladder, preparing competitors for the demands of Formula One. In contrast, until now IndyCar has been somewhat sidelined in the points system despite being one of the most competitive open-wheel series globally.
Just as Herta’s F2 switch was confirmed, the FIA announced its updated points structure for IndyCar, effective from the 2026 season onward. The new allocation increases the Super Licence points awarded to drivers finishing between third and ninth in the championship. For example, a driver who finishes fourth in the IndyCar standings under the new system will earn 20 points, which is double what that same position would have scored previously — a move clearly aimed at giving greater credit to consistent performance in the U.S. series. However, the top places in F2 still yield more points than equivalent IndyCar results.
Why this matters so much is that if this new points table had been in place earlier, Herta might have already met the Super Licence criteria while still competing in IndyCar. Numerous analysts and observers have pointed out that the changes come too late to benefit him directly; the new system applies only to future seasons and cannot retroactively alter past points totals. As a result, even with the revised distribution, Herta remains required to gain points through his performance in F2 or through limited Formula One free practice runs in order to hit the 40 threshold.
The consequences of this timing have sparked debate throughout the motorsport community. Some commentators and fans argue that the FIA’s adjustments are overdue and that the prior allocation undervalued one of the highest-level open-wheel categories outside Europe. Others feel the new system is still not sufficient, given that an American racing star had to leave his home series to chase Super Licence points elsewhere. Adding to the irony is the fact that Herta’s longtime aspiration of securing an F1 seat was stalled precisely because of the old points rules — despite his strong results and reputation as one of the most talented drivers of his generation.
Cadillac’s plans for Herta extend beyond just accumulating points; the American marque clearly hopes to develop its own future F1 race driver from within its ranks. While their initial lineup for 2026 includes seasoned veterans, the long-term ambition may involve having an American talent like Herta in the cockpit once he qualifies. However, that objective hinges directly on how he performs in F2 and how effectively he can leverage opportunities such as free practice sessions to accumulate the remaining points he needs.
In summary, the FIA’s recent revision of Super Licence points for IndyCar drivers is a significant step toward recognizing the competitiveness of that series and easing barriers for its pilots to reach Formula One. Yet the timing of the update — coming just as Colton Herta transitioned away from IndyCar — presents a curious twist: a driver who might have benefited had the changes occurred earlier now finds himself navigating an alternative route through the FIA’s traditional feeder ladder. Whether this reshaped system leads to more seamless transitions from IndyCar to Formula One in the future remains to be seen, but for Herta, the path remains both challenging and unique — a blend of strategic career decisions, regulatory change, and the perennial pursuit of a dream that spans continents and racing cultures.
