W Series confirms FIA Super License points allocation

W Series has confirmed its full FIA Super License points allocation ahead of the 2020 season.

Following a successful six-round inaugural season in 2019, the all-female W Series will return in 2020 with an expanded calendar that will see it support the Formula 1 rounds in the United States and Mexico near the end of the year.

The 18-strong grid will compete for FIA Super License points this year in a new initiative, boosting the chances of a female driver making it to the F1 grid in the future.

The 2020 W Series champion will receive 15 FIA Super License points. Drivers require a total of 40 across three years to be eligible for a Super License required to race in F1.

As a result of the Super License points introduction, the reigning champion will be forbidden from defending their title in 2021. Williams F1 development driver Jamie Chadwick enters the 2020 season as the incumbent champion.

The top eight drivers in the W Series standings will receive Super License points on a sliding scale from 15 to 1:

1st place: 15 FIA Super License points
2nd place: 12 FIA Super License points
3rd place: 10 FIA Super License points
4th place: 7 FIA Super License points
5th place: 5 FIA Super License points
6th place: 3 FIA Super License points
7th place: 2 FIA Super License points
8th place: 1 FIA Super License point

"We’re delighted that the FIA has made the decision to award Super Licence points to W Series’ most successful drivers from the 2020 season onwards, thereby adding to the importance of W Series as a ‘feeder’ series for female drivers who aspire to race in more senior championships," said W Series CEO Catherine Bond Muir.

“Indeed, now that the first eight in the W Series championship will accrue Super Licence points, W Series has become an even more important rung on the motorsport ladder for female drivers whose ambition is to race and one day beat male drivers in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, which is logically the next rung on the ladder for them, and beyond."

W Series advisory board chairman and ex-F1 driver David Coulthard added: "Personally, I’m delighted that W series has been further recognised by the FIA via the allocation of Super Licence points, the holy grail in any driver’s aspiration to become a Formula 1 driver.

“Irrespective of where our current W Series drivers may race in future, the FIA’s decision confirms my absolute belief that W series is essential in developing female talent and giving female drivers the opportunity to develop their skills so as to become successful professional racing drivers in the future.

“I would like to thank the FIA president, Jean Todt, for his vision and support ahead of what is only the second season of the W Series championship.”