In the fascinating world of motorsport, the journey to become a Formula 1 driver is one of the most thrilling aspects of racing. Starting your journey as a go-kart racer and aspire to compete in F1 is one of the most challenging odysseys a driver can feel. Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport racing. However, the pathway to F1 is not easy. One must start his or her career at an early age. To help you understand, I have written a comprehensive guide on beginning your journey from karting to F1.
After covering the insights on how to become a professional go-kart racer, we have turned our focus to the most glorious journey in a young racer’s life. The most celebrated racing event that makes your flight to the Formula Racing world. Yes, we are talking about the prestigious FIA Karting Championship. I know you all think it is just a kart racing league like other national leagues, but FIA Karting is more than that. It is the showdown for young racers to show their talent in the karting world. Let us delve into the history of FIA Karting and discuss how a professional go-kart racer would get into the FIA Karting championship to win the championship title.
1. History of the FIA Karting Championship
The FIA Karting Championship has a long history as Formula 1. During its initial days, the karting championship was also known as the Mondokart Racing Championship. This championship was organized by the Commission of International de Karting. Later, due to a lack of sponsorship deals and financial support, the FIA proposed a contract to merge with the existing body and form a new governing body, the CIK-FIA. Now the CIK-FIA is the primary governing body and is responsible for providing the kart racing championship globally.
The FIA Karting governing body was established in 1962 and has its headquarters in Geneva. The first Karting championship took place in 1964. The first two races from the year 1964-65 only had one final round to introduce the race winner. Now, after several desperate times, a proper championship event takes place every year where young professional go-kart racers compete by winning different national karting champions to be the World Karting Championship racer.
2. How do I get into the FIA Karting Championship?
We already explore various aspects of karting and its importance in the realm of motorsport racing. We have also provided a proper insight into how a young racing aspirant can become a professional go-kart racer. To be the best go-kart racer, you must show your skills and consistent performance and make your way into the biggest karting championship league in the world.
Here are a few steps you need to understand before you get into the FIA Karting Championship. These steps are necessary if you want to make your racing clan dominate other FIA Karting Championship races.
Dominating the National Karting League: As you improve as a racer, you should aim to beat your rival in your national karting championship.
Get Yourself With Regional Championships: If you succeed nationally, you may get a chance to compete in regional championships.
National Federation Affiliation: You, as a driver, must be affiliated with their respective national karting federations, as it would help to gain sponsorship deals and contracts for the FIA Karting championship.
Must Have An International Racing License: Get an FIA-approved driving license to participate in the event.
3. How to get an FIA-approved Karting License?
Since you started your career as a professional go-kart racer and won many junior races at the national level. Now it's time to make your name in the karting world. Before transitioning from the National Karting League to the prestigious FIA Karting Championship, a new-generation racer should keep in mind that an international racing license approved by the FIA is a must to make your way to the karting stardom. To obtain an FIA Karting Championship license, you must follow these steps:
Get a National License: If you joined any karting club or school, then remember to contact your racing coach to obtain a national license. This national license added to your racer's profile may be a type of National A license.
Licenses should be allowed through the NSA: Licenses are signed by the ASN’s National Sporting Authorities. ASN issues two types of licenses, one for the nationals and the other for the international races.
Apply for an International License: Being a professional go-kart racer, you must now apply for an international karting license. Most of these licenses are called International A licenses and are issued by the FIA for competing in FIA-sanctioned events.
Pay Entries Fees: Payment is a must if you want to participate in the world championship race.
Wait for Approval: The FIA will look at your records, performance, and what milestones you have in your junior karting races and issue the international license based on your performance both on and off-track.
4. Different Grades of FIA Karting Championship License
So, once you have received approval for your first FIA Karting Championship license, you may be required to undergo a medical examination. As racing athletes are super athletes in a way, a check-up is essential to know if a driver is fit for professional karting.
Let us explore the different grades of the FIA International Karting Championship License.
Grade G: This license is issued to racers between the ages of 12 and 14 who compete in the junior categories.
Grade F: This license is issued to racers who are 14 years old and driving a non-gearbox kart.
Grade E: This is issued for drivers who are 15 years old and beyond.
Advice For New Aspiring World Champion Racers
Those who have surpassed every karting league and made their way to the FIA Karting Championship series have already been world champions. You must feel proud, as few of them came close to such events. For young aspiring racers out there, train yourself consistently and build a strong racing foundation to move ahead with the Formula Racing Series. Keep in mind the following points to achieve great success on becoming the FIA Karting Championship racer:
Talent and Skill will help you boost your confidence and driving.
Keep yourself fit as karting may require physical fitness more than any other sports
Team support also plays a strong winning point.
Focus on securing adequate funding as karting is a costly niche. Try to develop strong mental games to prepare for races with sportsmanship. Set achievable goals and become an FIA World Karting Championship driver. If possible, maybe I can see you lifting a winning trophy on the podium soon.
