How to become an F1 driver

• Driving is undoubtedly a fun experience for a majority of people
• But how to become an F1 driver is another life in driving
• Racing in Formula 1 comes with a lot of glitz and glamour

Driving is undoubtedly a fun experience for a majority of people but how to become an F1 driver is another life in driving. Racing in Formula 1 comes with a lot of glitz and glamour but not everyone sitting behind the wheel is cut out for it.

Your favourite F1 drivers inspire a lot of people but cruising those tracks at such high speed is quite challenging and not for the faint-hearted. It feels more like a ground rocket than an actual car. Controlling an F1 vehicle around a track requires years of refined reflexes, strength, and mental fortitude. As scary as it sounds, you can get into it. SportsLeo tells you exactly what you need and should do.

HOW TO BECOME AN F1 DRIVER

Formula One marks the highest level of motorsport which explains the prestige around it. But being an F1 driver is more than this prestige; it is a treacherous battle that calls for skill, commitment and determination.

So, where do you start on how to become an F1 driver? Go-karting is the most popular start for F1 drivers. Aspiring drivers start training in automobile handling very early, some as young as five years old. They equip themselves with skills to move on to junior racing levels such as Formula Renault or Formula 4.  Needless to say, talent is very important in this stage.

The RB20 by Red Bull racing in 2024. Photo/Oracle Red Bull Racing

As you move up the ladder, the competition becomes more intense in Formulas 3 and 2. Drivers compete for points in this system, which goes toward earning the FIA Super Licence, the ultimate license. This license is the entry ticket to Formula One Racing usually obtained by earning points through strong finishes and gaining race experience in various junior classes.

But points are insufficient on their own; money also plays a significant role in propelling you to the F1 tracks.  Motorsports pundits lightly say that you need as much money as your talent when looking at how to become an F1 driver. It is an expensive affair running into millions of dollars.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO BE A F1 DRIVER?

If you are looking at F1 as a career driver, you need the following.

Strong Financial Backing

For many people, driving a Formula 1 car is a dream come true, but it takes just more than talent. Money plays a huge role in it because go-karting, Formula 3, Formula 2, and Renault are expensive. Now, many drivers partly rely on sponsors to get to F1 where some teams have insane huge budgets. Sponsors bring money to the squad which ends the season-long struggle for mid-pack teams with a $200 million budget.

FIA Super License

This is the official Formula One driver’s license, granted by the FIA. To be eligible, you must:

• Be 18 years old and above
• Hold a lower-tier racing license that attests to your expertise and skill to obtain an FIA International Grade A license
• Be a holder of a standard driver’s license
• Complete an FIA exam covering safety protocols and racing laws.
• Earn points by participating in junior single-seater classes such as Formula 2 and Formula 3

Be Physically Fit

Physical fitness is a bare minimum in the quest for how to become an F1 driver. Drivers are always under intense physical pressure lap after lap. They encounter forces as high as 5G during fast turns. To resist these forces and stay focused during races, fitness training is crucial. Good cardiovascular health is necessary for endurance during high-stress races and strong neck muscles sustain the G-forces encountered when cornering.

Red Bull dominated the 2023 season. Photo/Eurosport

Mental Strength

Every F1 entrant is subjected to a psychiatry test because being behind the wheel of an F1 car requires a higher level of mental strength. You must remain calm whenever you are under pressure.

Sponsorship

It’s important to find sponsors. Even with a gifted driver; a sponsor is crucial because they help cover other things.

HOW HARD IS IT TO BECOME AN F1 DRIVER?

Becoming an F1 driver is similar to climbing Mount Everest. Although it is possible, it is extremely difficult. The limited path is blocked by intense competition, high expenses, years of skill development, and tremendous physical and mental strain. In hindsight, the 10 F1 teams only require 20 drivers, and rarely are there vacancies. They only come up in case of retirement which is also uncommon.

CONCLUSION

Becoming a Formula 1 driver is an expensive affair that also requires top talent and an undying spirit. However, it is rewarding in the long run.