For the longest time, the debate about which breed of drivers between NASCAR and F1 has raged on without a conclusion. Several hiccups stand in the way of a famous crossover, and NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick and former F1 insider Will Buxton recently pinpointed the biggest problem of them all—the FIA Super Licence.
In 2016, the FIA launched the Super Licence system, which requires a minimum of 40 points over three years for drivers to be able to compete in F1. The points come from various feeder series. However, the issue lies in how they are distributed.
Will Buxton Blasts FIA’s Rules Preventing NASCAR Drivers From Racing in F1
Last year, Kyle Larson dared to say what few drivers would say out loud. He claimed that he knew in his mind that he was the better all-around driver. His competition? It was with the then-three-time F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen.
Per Larson, the Dutchman would not be able to race in the Chili Bowl or win a Cup race in Bristol.
The remarks sparked immediate reactions from the entire racing fraternity, including the Red Bull driver. Now, a year later, Larson’s chances of getting an F1 debut are sparking again, and given the same, Harvick and Buxton decided to speak about what was delaying the process.
The duo called out the FIA’s Super Licence system—a rule Buxton asked Harvick not to get started on, as he could go on ranting about it for weeks.
“Oh, don’t get me started on that, man. Like, I could go for weeks on the stupidity of that.”
Count @wbuxtonofficial among those who’d love to see Kyle Larson in a #Formula1 car. He tells @KevinHarvick his issues with the restrictive FIA Super License. #NASCAR #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/6rwS4021kH
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) May 8, 2025
The former F1 insider added that he could not understand why F2 or F3 drivers earned more license points than a podium finisher in an IndyCar race. While he understood the reason behind introducing the system, Buxton claims the whole process has only proven to be restrictive for people trying to crossover from one sport to another.
Per the current Super Licence system, the F2 and F3 series offer the most points to a driver. Meanwhile, despite its more formidable challenge and higher quality, IndyCar offers fewer total points to a driver’s racing licence.
NASCAR drivers such as Larson earn even less points, with the Cup Series champion earning a mere 15 points.
Thus, the system is blocking many talented racers from trying their luck in different racing series. Even the likes of Larson are finding it tough to make the switch, given that they have to plan for years to accumulate the 40 points required to be considered for a driving seat in F1.