Understanding FIA Driver Categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum

In motorsport - especially in GT and endurance racing- drivers are placed into categories to ensure fair competition and balanced team lineups. These are not the same as racing licenses such as “FIA International Grade A/B/C.”

Instead, the FIA uses Driver Categorisations:Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Teams often simplify these into Pro (Gold/Platinum) and Am (Bronze/Silver depending on context), but the official terms remain the FIA categories.

Pro Level (Professional)

The Pro License is the highest level of racing qualification, and it’s what separates full-time professional racers from amateurs and semi-professionals.

• Who It's For: Top-tier drivers aiming for the highest level of competition, such as Formula 1, IndyCar, or Le Mans.

• Examples:

  • Formula 1 Drivers: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and other F1 drivers hold Pro Licenses, enabling them to race in the pinnacle of motorsport.

  • IndyCar Drivers: Races like the Indianapolis 500 are reserved for those with Pro Licenses, including drivers like Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden.

• Requirements: Professional experience at the highest level, often backed by major sponsorships, significant race wins, and consistent top-tier performances.

A Pro License gives you access to the world’s most prestigious racing series and is typically the result of years of training and championship-level racing.

Am Level (Amateur)

The Am License is for drivers who are not yet ready for the highest professional levels but still want to compete in serious racing events. It’s often used by drivers with good skill but who may not aim to become full-time pros.

• Who It's For: Semi-professional drivers or those seeking to gain more experience before moving to higher levels.

• Examples:

  • Racing Series: In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), amateur drivers often race in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans but alongside professional drivers in a team. For instance, some privateer teams may field cars with a combination of pro and Am drivers.

  • Club Racing: Amateur-level drivers might compete in regional championships like the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) club races, where a mix of professional and semi-professional drivers race together.

• Requirements: Typically, drivers must demonstrate experience in lower-tier racing or complete basic training programs and pass driving assessments.

The Am License opens up more competitive opportunities than entry-level licenses and allows racers to participate in prestigious events, though without the expectations of full-time pro racers.

Bronze Category (Amateur Driver)

Bronze drivers are classified as amateurs. They do not make a full-time living from racing and typically have limited or moderate experience.

Who It’s For

• True amateur or “gentleman” drivers

• Older drivers (over 30) who started racing late

• Drivers without significant professional results

Examples

• Many Am drivers in FIA WEC, IMSA, GT World Challenge, and European Le Mans Series

• Bronze drivers often fill mandatory “Am” slots in GT3 Pro-Am or GTE Am teams

Requirements (General FIA Guidelines)

• No significant professional results

• Usually no major success in international competitions

• Often self-funded / gentleman drivers

Bronze is the starting point for many adult entrants and required for “Am” positions in mixed-category racing.

Silver Category (Young Pros or High-Level Amateurs)

Silver is a mixed category: it includes promising young drivers and skilled amateurs who lack top-level results.

Who It’s For

• Young developing professionals (under 30)

• Highly capable amateurs with some results

• Drivers making the transition into higher-level series

Examples

• Many GT3 Silver drivers, such as young talents in GT World Challenge Europe

• Drivers in feeder series like Porsche Carrera Cup, Formula Regional, etc.

Requirements

• Strong results at national or regional level

• Some professional involvement but not yet top-tier

• FIA automatically rates many young drivers as Silver by default

Silver is often a stepping stone into professional motorsport.

Gold Category (Professional Driver)

Gold drivers are established professionals with strong results in recognized championships.

Who It’s For

• Full-time professional drivers

• Experienced race winners in major national or regional series

Examples

• Successful drivers in IMSA, GT World Challenge, ELMS, DTM, or top touring car championships

• Factory-supported GT drivers who aren’t yet Platinum

Requirements

• Proven professional record

• Significant wins or podiums

• Competitive results in high-level international series

Gold-level drivers are considered high-level pros.

Platinum Category (Top-Tier Professional / “Pro”)

Platinum is the highest FIA rating, reserved for world-class professional drivers.

Who It’s For

• Elite racing professionals with major international success

Examples

• Formula 1 drivers like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton

• Top-tier sports car pros like Kamui Kobayashi, Earl Bamber, or Laurens Vanthoor

• IndyCar race winners, DTM champions, and Le Mans overall winners

Requirements

• Major international titles or multiple significant wins

• Full-time professional status

• Exceptional performance in top championships

Platinum effectively represents the top of global motorsport.

Conclusion

The different levels of race licenses—Pro, Am, Bronze, Silver, and Gold—are designed to match a driver’s skill level and experience. Whether you’re just starting with a Bronze License or aiming for the top with a Pro License, each level opens doors to various opportunities in competitive racing. By understanding these levels and their real-world examples, drivers can make informed decisions about where they want to go in their racing careers and how to navigate their progression through the ranks.