IndyCar Superlicense Points Revamped: A Game Changer for Drivers!
In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves throughout the racing community, the FIA has announced a dramatic overhaul of the superlicense points allocation for the IndyCar Series, set to take effect in the 2026 season. This decision has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from key figures in the paddock, including the prominent Arrow McLaren team principal, Tony Kanaan.
During the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s pivotal meeting, significant changes were made not only across various racing series but particularly affecting North America’s premier open-wheel championship. Previously, the top 10 finishers in the IndyCar championship were rewarded with superlicense points on a scale of 40-30-20-10-8-6-4-3-2-1. The new system revamps this structure to 40-30-25-20-15-10-8-6-3-1, aligning IndyCar’s standing more closely with prestigious series like Formula 2 and enhancing its reputation as a legitimate feeder series for Formula 1.
Tony Kanaan emphatically stated, “No one doubts that IndyCar is one of the most competitive racing series in the world, and I’m glad the FIA is acknowledging that by increasing the points to be more comparable to F2. It’s good news for IndyCar and good for the drivers in the series if they do want to race in F1. An IndyCar driver shouldn’t need to go to a feeder series to prove they’ve got what it takes to compete in any other series.” This bold declaration underscores the long-awaited recognition IndyCar has deserved for years.
Among the drivers likely to benefit from this change is Colton Herta, who has been generating buzz in the IndyCar paddock since 2018, when he became the youngest race winner at just 18 years, 11 months, and 25 days old. Despite his impressive track record, Herta has faced hurdles in securing the coveted superlicense, with a notable near-miss for a potential F1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2023. After finishing the 2025 season with 31 superlicense points, Herta was left needing a top-four finish in the championship to qualify, which he ultimately fell short of, ending up seventh.
This revised points allocation could change the trajectory for many aspiring IndyCar stars. Herta’s journey has led him to join Cadillac’s F1 team as a test driver while he seeks to compete in Formula 2 with Hitech, aiming for enough superlicense points to secure a shot at Formula 1 in 2027. Now, with the new points system in place, he must finish eighth or higher, or potentially reach 10th with multiple free practice appearances to qualify.
The new points structure also highlights the elite status of current IndyCar drivers, with only a handful, including Alex Palou (120 points), Scott Dixon (56 points), Pato O’Ward (48 points), and Scott McLaughlin (41 points), being eligible based on their performances over the past three seasons.
As the IndyCar Series gears up for the 2026 season, this pivotal adjustment in superlicense points not only promises to elevate the competition but also opens the doors wider for talented drivers aiming for the pinnacle of motorsport—Formula 1. The excitement is palpable as the racing world watches closely to see how this change will impact the future of IndyCar talent and their ambitions on the global stage.
