How a driver with zero Formula 2 points can still drive in Formula 1
Cian Shields is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Aston Martin this weekend without having scored a single point in the feeder series below the competition.
Aston Martin announced this week that Shields will drive Fernando Alonso's AMR25 during the first free practice session of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Shields does not boast the best of records in Formula 2 and Formula 3 over the past two seasons. He is yet to score a point in either of the two categories. Shields' best result was at Imola during the Feature Race, where he finished 11th. He previously finished 13th in the GB3 standings back in 2022.
His AIX Racing teammate, Joshua Dürksen, has scored 72 points this year, won the Sprint in Australia, and finished on the podium on five other occasions.
Jak Crawford will drive the other Aston Martin car in Abu Dhabi. He is currently second in the F2 standings, with 170 points and four victories.
What do the rules say?
Currently, the rule to gain a super license to compete in a free practice session is not solely performance-based.
According to the rule book, drivers need to complete one of the following requirements to obtain a Free Practice Only Super Licence.
A driver either needs to complete six events in the Formula 2 championship, or score more than 25 points over the previous three-year period that could also include the current calendar year.
Read also
Check out the latest episode of GPblog's F1 Paddock Update here
Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.
Don't forget to follow F1 Paddock Update on Spotify as well!
Popular on GPBlog
Aston Martin to replace Alonso and hand F1 debut to British driver
Verstappen has forced Stella to consider breaking cardinal papaya rule
Alpine confirms it will go the Red Bull way as key F1 2026 announcement made
