Will Buxton Slams F1’s “Stupid” Super License Restrictions on NASCAR Champions

Ex-F1 presenter Will Buxton admitted that the Super License system was unfair for NASCAR drivers.

Will Buxton (via Sports Illustrated) and Kyle Larson (via GPFans)

Formula 1 and NASCAR are two of the most important racing series in the world. While F1 is considered the pinnacle of motorsport, NASCAR is the premier stock car racing series. However, Formula 1’s Super License system does not make it easy for NASCAR drivers to try their hands in the FIA-regulated championship. Now, Motorsport pundit Will Buxton has expressed his frustration over the situation.

Buxton recently appeared on Kevin Harvick‘s Happy Hour podcast. The former F1 presenter was asked about the Super License system. The FIA Super License is a mandatory requirement for any driver wanting to compete in F1.

A driver must gather enough points to be eligible to race at the pinnacle of motorsport. This is achieved by getting results in other racing series. However, Super License points given in NASCAR are much lower compared to drivers who compete in Formula 2 or Formula 3, the feeder categories for F1.

Will Buxton outlined these ‘stupid’ measures in the Formula 1 system. The Briton was frustrated with the way drivers in NASCAR and IndyCar could not be eligible to drive in F1. Even NASCAR champions do not get a shot at transitioning to Formula 1, even for just a single race.

Don’t get me started on that man. I could go on for weeks on the stupidity of that. How can you give more Super License points to kids out of F3 and F2 than a driver who finishes second or third in IndyCar or the fact that you can’t take a NASCAR champion and chuck them into a Formula 1 car immediately.
Will Buxton said on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast.

Buxton insisted that fans would love to see someone like Kyle Larson compete in the prestigious Monaco GP. Larson himself has made comments about being better than reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen in the past. However, the NASCAR star cannot have a real go at Formula 1 yet.

I understand why they did it, but it’s proven to be so restrictive in terms of allowing people to make a crossover whether it’s just for a race or for an entire season. I’d love to see the best that NASCAR have, to try and make the jump to Formula 1. I’d love to see you know someone like a Kyle Larson not just attempt the Indy 500 but you know go and attempt Monaco GP or whatever.
Will Buxton added.

While a driver who wins Formula 2 scores 40 Super License points, the NASCAR Cup Series winner only gets 15. This is a controversial system as F2 drivers lack experience at the top of the field and are only just making their way up the motorsport ladder. On the other hand, NASCAR remains the top stock car racing series with some of the best drivers in motorsport.

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Will Buxton wants more crossovers in Formula 1

It is not unusual for F1 drivers to compete in other series. Drivers like Marcus Ericsson and Takuma Sato went to IndyCar after being ousted from the F1 grid. While Juan Pablo Montoya competed in NASCAR.

However, it is much more rare to see a driver from NASCAR or IndyCar to race in F1. Colton Herta was in talks with Red Bull to race for its sister team all the way back in 2023 but failed to get enough Super License points. While the Formula E grid is full of former F1 drivers.

Will Buxton pointed out that there needs to be more crossovers where drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar or Formula E get the chance to battle it out at the pinnacle of motorsport. This would create the perfect spectacle for fans, who want to see the best of the best going wheel-to-wheel against one another.

I’d love to see kids from IndyCar transition over to Formula 1, or from endurance racing or Formula E or whatever it might be. I hate the fact that we have such a restrictive licensing system in place at Formula 1 that it stops the possibility of transition because as race fans like we’re race fans right?
Will Buxton explained.

Moreover, Buxton gave an example of V8 Supercars star Scotty McLaughlin, who decided to switch to IndyCar. Since then, Max has shown impressive pace in the championship with the entire grid looking to defeat the Kiwi driver.

You look at Scotty Max [McLaughlin] coming over from you know Supercars over in Australia and moving over into IndyCar and immediately being this guy that everyone had a target on because he was just so impressive.
Will Buxton noted.

Certainly, it is time for Formula 1 to reconsider its license system. The system focuses on promoting the sport’s feeder categories. However, the downside remains that it stops other talented drivers from getting a chance. Will Buxton, who worked with F1 as a presenter has finally spoken up as well, showing that even insiders are well aware of the current shortcomings.

Tags: FIA Kyle Larson Will Buxton

#About the Author

Armaan Agarwal

(2612 Articles Published)

Armaan Agarwal is a Motorsport Sub-editor and Content Manager at Firstsportz. He has written over 2500 articles with around 1000 edited pieces under his belt. Armaan has years of experience in the field of journalism, having followed Formula 1 and NASCAR for almost a decade. Nico Rosberg's title victory at the 2016 Abu Dhabi GP against Lewis Hamilton remains engraved in his memory. He started his journey with his own motorsport blog in 2017. At Firstsportz, Armaan provides deep insight into the sport for fans through his special editorial pieces. Armaan has several other skills, including social media content creation, script writing, and debating. He completed his Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communication with a gold medal from St. Xavier’s University Kolkata. Presently, he is pursuing his Post Graduation in Broadcast Journalism at the India Today Media Institute with a keen eye at the ever-evolving dynamics of a newsroom. Apart from motorsport, he is an avid reader and keeps himself up to date with current affairs.

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