Mercedes-AMG reveals new Formula 1 safety and medical cars painted in bold red color so that drivers can spot them more easily.
For the first time since 1994, Mercedes will not be the only team providing the Formula 1 safety and medical cars. Aston Martin has announced its return to the sport after 60 years by partnering with Mercedes and representing the team with a Vantage pace car and DBX SUV medical car. The two rivals will represent their respective teams, but Mercedes revealed a new paintwork design created especially to make its support cars stand out in the crowd.
Moving on from the usual Silver arrow livery, Mercedes has introduced its safety and medical cars in AMG’s signature red color. The GT R and C63 S Estate also feature Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 teams’ partner Crowdstrike badges. The new-look Mercedes-AMG GT R will be first on track on April 18, on the famous Imola circuit, where the second race will take place. Mercedes-AMG Brand Ambassador and driving instructor Bernd Maylander will be at the wheel, as he has been for the past 20 years. Alan van der Merwe will be at the back of the grid, taking care of the medical car.
Talking about AMG safety cars, Maylander commented that safety in Formula 1 reached new heights over the past 20 years and that support cars and stewards play a vital role. Moreover, Mercedes-AMG CEO, Phillip Schiemer, said that the AMG GT R and the C63 S Estate are some of the best race-tested cars, making them perfect for the role.
The AMG GT R F1 safety car comes with a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 engine producing 577 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and up to 197mph. Worth mentioning, the GT R also holds multiple production-car records on tracks over the world. Moreover, the safety car is equipped with the AMG track package, including roll-over protection and high-performance ceramic brakes.
Meanwhile, the C63 S Estate medical car is similarly powerful, producing 503 HP, and features optional ceramic brakes and four-point safety belts for increased safety.
The first race of the 2021 F1 season will occur in Bahrain on March 28, which will also be the debut of the new Aston Martin safety and medical cars.
Stay tuned!
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