WTCC and DTM added to new F1 Super Licence structure

The World Motor Sport Council has now confirmed changes to the Super Licence points system for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, due to come into force next season, which now recognises drivers from both DTM and the World Touring Car Championship.

The WMSC had previously announced the system in January, which was criticised in some areas, particularly the weighting of some single-seater championships, but also due to the complete absence of the DTM from the list.

With former DTM champion Paul di Resta the German series’ most recent Formula 1 graduate, and with Mercedes AMG F1 test driver Pascal Wehrlein also competing in DTM, it was argued that the DTM had been unreasonably omitted from the list as the series has proven to be on the ladder of progression to Formula 1, thanks in part to Mercedes’ competition in both series.

The announcement from the WMSC today confirms that the DTM champion will score 15 points towards the 40 required to achieve an F1 Super Licence, meaning the same driver would have to win the championship for three consecutive seasons (or win twice and finish third once) in order to qualify for a Super Licence.

With the DTM added, the FIA WMSC has also allowed for the World Touring Car Championship to be included in the rankings, with the WTCC champion also scoring 15 points towards an F1 Super Licence, the same as the DTM.

Historically however, the WTCC has not been a typical step towards Formula 1, but the new increased power, higher downforce TC1 class cars have already been encouraging different styles of driver to the championship.