Since 1996, Mercedes-AMG has supplied Formula 1 with the cars required for its safety tasks on the circuit. Now is the time to upgrade; it will be with the company's two most powerful models.
The Safety Car will assume the lead and keep the racing vehicles behind it if necessary. In addition, the updated version incorporates the car's signaling system for the drivers into the spoiler and front of the vehicle. The new Safety Car for Formula 1 is a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series - essentially the exact vehicle that can be purchased over the counter, but with a 730-horsepower engine and a chassis designed for track use. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.2 seconds, and the top speed is 325 km/h.
The Medical Car for Formula 1 is a four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC + equipped with 639 hp (0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a peak speed of 315 km/h). Up to three medics are aboard the car, one of whom is Formula 1's rescue coordinator, Dr. Ian Roberts. One or two local physicians from a nearby specialty facility are always in the rear seat. The vehicle follows the field during the first lap and is then prepared for action in the depot.
The Medical Car for Formula 1 is immediately connected to the drivers' gloves, which are fitted with sensors that allow for direct heart rate readings and oxygen saturation.
Mercedes-AMG will split the responsibility with Aston Martin. The two companies have a long-standing relationship, with Mercedes-AMG supplying the British with 8-cylinder twin-turbo engines, among other things.
The Medical Car will be a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC +. The Safety Car will be a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.