The Mercedes-AMG F1 Safety Car has reached its 500th deployment at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The milestone celebrates nearly three decades of motorsport safety excellence.
History of the Safety Car
The first deployment was on June 30, 1996, in Magny-Cours, France, using a Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG. Since then, 13 models have served in Formula 1®, ensuring top safety standards worldwide.
Record-Breaking Laps
The longest safety car phase was 19 laps at the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix. In 2016 São Paulo, 33 laps were completed over four separate deployments.
Current Official Safety Car
Since 2022, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series serves as the F1 Safety Car. It features a handcrafted 4.0L V8 biturbo delivering 720 hp, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
Safety and Technology
Integrated LED lights, a siren, FIA-compliant communication, and onboard cameras provide visibility and control. Since 2023, it runs on 100-octane sustainable fuel.
Team Behind the Car
Bernd Mayländer has driven the Safety Car since 2000, supported by co-drivers and a technical team ensuring flawless operation at each race weekend.
Role on Track
The Safety Car neutralizes the race during incidents, setting pace to maintain safety while allowing teams strategic pit opportunities.
Mercedes-AMG Safety Car Timeline
| Year(s) | Model |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG (W202) |
| 1997 – 1999 | Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG (C208) |
| 2000 | Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG (C215) |
| 2001 – 2002 | Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R230) |
| 2003 | Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG (C209) |
| 2004 – 2005 | Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG (R171) |
| 2006 – 2007 | Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG (C209) |
| 2008 – 2009 | Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (R230) |
| 2010 – 2012 | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (C197) |
| 2012 – 2014 | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT (C197) |
| 2015 – 2017 | Mercedes-AMG GT S (C190) |
| 2018 – 2021 | Mercedes-AMG GT R (C190) |
| 2022 – present | Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (C190) |
Medical Car Overview
| Year(s) | Model |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG (W202) |
| 1997 | Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG (W202); E 60 AMG (W210) |
| 1998 – 2000 | Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG Wagon (S202) |
| 2001 – 2003 | Mercedes-Benz C 32 AMG Wagon (S203) |
| 2004 – 2007 | Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG Wagon (S203) |
| 2008 – 2014 | Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Wagon (S204) |
| 2015 – 2021 | Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Wagon (S205) |
| 2022 – present | Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe (X290) |
Summary
The 500th deployment of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Safety Car highlights decades of precision, performance, and technical excellence, reinforcing its essential role in motorsport safety.
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Source: Mercedes-Benz
