Mercedes-AMG continues its long-standing commitment to Formula 1, once again providing the Official Safety Car and Medical Car for the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2022. For the season starting March 18-20 at the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022, two of Mercedes-AMG’s most potent performance models will take on these critical roles, further cementing the brand’s association with high performance and safety in motorsport. The Mercedes F1 Cars chosen for these duties are not just any vehicles; they are the pinnacle of AMG engineering, designed to ensure the highest standards of safety on the world stage.
“Recent years have witnessed Mercedes-AMG celebrating remarkable achievements in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Eight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles in the last eight years speak volumes. Adding to this success is the extensive transfer of technology and brand image from the apex of motorsport to our production vehicles. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in our DNA, and so is the paramount importance of safety. Extending our commitment as the provider of the safety car and medical car for over 25 years was a natural decision – and we are doing so with two absolutely exceptional vehicles from our lineup,” stated Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, highlighting the brand’s dedication to Formula 1 and the seamless integration of racing technology into their consumer cars.
Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Motorsport of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, further elaborated on this commitment: “Since 1996, Mercedes-AMG has been the unwavering provider of essential vehicles for Formula 1 emergencies. As the Official F1 Safety Car, our performance vehicles have consistently guided the Formula 1 field safely in challenging weather or incident scenarios. Our Official F1 Medical Car is always ready to provide rapid response when needed. For the 2022 season, we have elevated our game even further with our most powerful models to date: the AMG GT Black Series and the AMG GT 63 S. Their on-track performance showcases unfiltered motorsport DNA more than any predecessors. While their capabilities are undeniable, we sincerely hope these vehicles are called upon for support as infrequently as possible.”
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series: The New Formula 1 Safety Car
Taking the lead as the Official F1 Safety Car for the first time is the formidable Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. This model succeeds the already impressive Mercedes-AMG GT R, raising the bar for safety car performance. Bernd Mayländer, the seasoned driver of the FIA Formula One World Championship Official Safety Car since 2000, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be back at the helm of the Formula 1 safety car for the 2022 season. And I am particularly excited that this year it’s a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Having tested this incredible vehicle extensively, I am simply amazed by its race car proximity. It represents a significant leap forward from last year’s GT R – which was already exceptionally capable. Having such a workplace dedicated to safety is truly a dream come true.” The AMG GT Black Series, a street-legal sports car, is transformed into a crucial Mercedes F1 car variant, ready to control the pace of the world’s fastest racing series when required.
From a technical perspective, both the Safety Car and Medical Car remain largely in standard production configuration. However, they are equipped with extensive, specialized equipment tailored to their demanding track duties. A striking innovation in the Official F1 Safety Car is the seamless integration of signaling systems, a departure from traditional roof-mounted light bars.
Integrated Safety Car Signaling
The most noticeable feature of the Mercedes F1 car Safety Car is the absence of a conventional roof light bar. Such a bar would disrupt the meticulously engineered aerodynamic balance of the AMG GT Black Series. Instead, engineers at Affalterbach developed a completely new approach. The essential signaling lights are ingeniously integrated into the vehicle’s structure. At the front, the mandatory signaling is incorporated into the upper windscreen area, while the rear-facing lights are elegantly embedded within the rear spoiler. Fast-reacting and energy-efficient LED technology powers all signaling functions.
Positioned at the front, level with the sun visors and flanking the AMG logo, are three small orange light modules and one larger green module on each side. The main upper blade of the rear spoiler houses 13 orange LEDs – three on each outer edge emitting a steady light, and seven central lights that flash when necessary. Additionally, four broader, green LED modules are present. Two miniature video cameras are integrated into the right spoiler strut, providing crucial visuals inside the car. One camera acts as an electronic rear-view mirror for the co-driver, displaying on a small monitor in the headliner to the right of the standard rear-view mirror. The second camera transmits a live TV feed. For spectators, a light module in each rear side window displays “SC” in orange when the Safety Car is deployed.
Safety Light Functionality:
- Orange: Activation of orange LEDs signals Safety Car deployment. Flashing orange lights in the rear center and steady lights on the front sides indicate “no overtaking allowed.”
- Green: Green modules at the front and rear illuminate when the AMG GT Black Series enters the track mid-field during a safety car phase. This signals to drivers that overtaking the safety car is permitted.
- Dimmable Modules: All light modules are fully dimmable, allowing for intensity adjustments based on conditions such as nighttime racing under floodlights or bright daylight.
The rear number plate also synchronizes with the safety lights, illuminating in orange or green. Furthermore, the headlights and rear lights play a vital role in signaling, rapidly flashing to enhance visibility when the Safety Car is on track.
Standard Interior Enhanced for Safety
The interior of this Mercedes F1 car Safety Car mirrors the standard AMG GT Black Series, complete with the optional Track Package, including rollover protection. A lightweight roll cage, constructed from bolted tubular titanium, is a key safety feature. It consists of a main frame, belt-fixture brace, two rear braces, and a rear diagonal cross. This system further enhances the vehicle’s already exceptional stiffness, positively impacting performance and improving passive safety.
The only bespoke additions are FIA-mandated six-point safety harnesses and two tablets positioned in the center console and instrument panel ahead of the passenger seat. These tablets enable co-driver Richard Darker to monitor the Formula 1 field. The left tablet displays the international TV signal, while the right monitor can toggle between an animated representation of car positions on track and current lap times. An InCar Hotspot with WLAN manages data for visual communication. Bernd Mayländer focuses on driving and rear-view awareness, while Richard Darker maintains radio contact with race control, utilizing two red buttons and rotary knobs on the center console for radio commands. An intercom system facilitates communication between Mayländer and Darker, with a backup radio system also installed.
Lightweight bucket seats, part of the customer-available Track Package, are standard. Uniquely for the Safety Car, a small cup holder is integrated into the side cushions for a water bottle. A panel in the headliner, with color-coded buttons, controls light signaling, designed for easy operation even with racing gloves.
FIA-Specific Technology
Further FIA-specific systems, mirroring those in Formula 1 race cars, are integrated. These include a transponder for timekeeping, high-resolution GPS, telemetry, and the “marshalling system,” which displays flag signals via three colored LEDs in the instrument binnacle and co-driver’s position. A “medical warning light” flashes upon critical g-force detection in an accident, providing an extra alert for Mayländer and Darker to prepare for intervention.
Developed for demanding racetrack service, the Mercedes F1 car Safety Car must perform under extreme conditions. High cornering speeds, rapid acceleration, and fast lap times are essential to safely lead Formula 1 cars without compromising their tires, brakes, or engines.
The AMG GT Black Series is inherently suited for this role. Its front-mid-engine with transaxle configuration, V8 biturbo engine with dry-sump lubrication, dual-clutch transmission, and finely tuned chassis with aluminum double-wishbone suspension provide the foundation for exceptional racetrack performance. Lightweight construction ensures low weight, a low center of gravity, and optimal weight distribution.
This top-tier AMG GT model is the closest road-legal AMG to motorsport, featuring 730 hp, a stiffer body, adjustable suspension, intelligent lightweight engineering, and active aerodynamics. Components like the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission and the thin-gauge stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust system with titanium silencer further underscore its racing pedigree. The chassis offers manual height adjustability, adaptive dampers with three presets, and customizable camber and anti-roll bar settings. Additional pivot bearings, carbon-fiber shear plates, and adapted engine/transmission mounts refine handling and performance.
Suspension specialists at Affalterbach tailored the setup for the Official F1 Safety Car, in conjunction with Pirelli P Zero tires, to optimize performance across diverse racetracks and weather. Standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite brakes are retained from the production AMG GT Black Series, as is the finely tuned aerodynamics package with a large front skirt, flaps, front splitter, rear skirt tear-off edge, and electronically controlled two-blade rear wing, ensuring optimal downforce and balance. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h, providing ample performance for its crucial role.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+: The New Formula 1 Medical Car
Joining the Safety Car is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, debuting as the Official F1 Medical Car, succeeding the C 63 S AMG Wagon. This Mercedes F1 car Medical Car is crucial for rapid emergency response, carrying up to three medics, including FIA Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr. Ian Roberts, and one or two local medics. Its primary role is to follow the Formula 1 field on the opening lap, ensuring immediate medical access in the critical race start phase. Throughout the race, it remains on standby in the pit lane alongside the Safety Car.
The GT 63 S 4MATIC+ is the fastest and most powerful medical car in Formula 1 history, designed for zero-compromise emergency response. Its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivers 639 hp, accelerating the four-door coupe from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. Like the Safety Car, it retains the standard V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, dynamic engine mounts, and electronic rear locking differential. The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive offers superior traction and safety, particularly in adverse weather, a significant advantage over the rear-wheel-drive C 63 S. Standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension is optimized for fast track duty with a full medical team and equipment. AMG high-performance ceramic brakes ensure rapid deceleration.
Medical Car Specific Design and Equipment
Visually, the Medical Car differs from the standard production model with FIA and F1 logos and a roof-mounted light bar, positioned on a carbon-fiber scoop designed for minimal wind resistance and optimized airflow to the fixed rear wing. The scoop and light bar design are results of extensive wind-tunnel testing. The rear wing blade is set at a maximum downforce angle. The optional Aerodynamic Package mirrors the road-going version. Signal-function headlights and rear lights, along with an illuminated rear number plate displaying “medical car,” further distinguish it. The spacious trunk contains comprehensive emergency equipment, including a defibrillator, breathing apparatus, rescue cutter, and fire extinguishers. Flashing lights activate when the rear lid is open, warning approaching race cars.
Inside, four individual racing bucket seats with six-point harnesses in front and four-point harnesses in the rear securely hold first responders. Seat consoles are welded to the car floor for maximum safety. The FIA switch unit, similar to the Safety Car, is located in the center console. A radio system facilitates communication with race management. Three tablets and an additional monitor for the electronic rear-view mirror are mounted on the passenger side dashboard for race monitoring. An InCar Hotspot and WLAN are also included.
Formula 1 drivers wear sensor-equipped gloves monitoring vital signs. Paramedics in the Medical Car can receive real-time data on a screen displaying a casualty’s pulse rate or blood-oxygen levels, enabling informed and rapid first-response measures.
Distinctive Livery and Partnership
Both Mercedes F1 cars, the Safety Car and Medical Car, feature a distinctive red paintwork, consistent with the previous season. This striking color aligns with Mercedes-AMG and CrowdStrike, the Safety Car’s sponsor, whose white lettering and logos are prominently displayed, continuing their partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team since 2019. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity leader, uses red to symbolize their commitment to breach prevention. The Medical Car displays FIA Formula One World Championship™ and AMG logos. Black aerodynamic elements and lower bodywork sections, along with black AMG alloy wheels with red rims, complete the visual identity of both vehicles.
Throughout race weekends, these Mercedes F1 cars ensure safety not only in Formula 1 races but also in all support races. Three highly skilled AMG technicians maintain the vehicles throughout the season. Mercedes-AMG shares Safety Car and Medical Car duties with Aston Martin, reflecting a broad technical cooperation that includes Mercedes-AMG supplying engines to the British manufacturer.
Mercedes-AMG FIA Formula One World Championship™ Official Safety Cars:
| Year | Model |
|---|---|
| 1996 | C 36 AMG (W 202) |
| 1997-1999 | CLK 55 AMG (C 208) |
| 2000 | CL 55 AMG (C 215) |
| 2001-2002 | SL 55 AMG (R 230) |
| 2003 | CLK 55 AMG (C 209) |
| 2004-2005 | SLK 55 AMG (R 171) |
| 2006-2007 | CLK 63 AMG Black Series (C 209) |
| 2008-2009 | SL 63 AMG (R 230) |
| 2010-2012 | SLS AMG (C 197) |
| 2012 (German GP)-2014 | SLS AMG GT (C 197) |
| 2015-2018 | Mercedes-AMG GT S (C 190) |
| 2019-2021 | Mercedes-AMG GT R (C 190) |
| 2022 | Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (C 190) |
Mercedes-AMG FIA Formula One World Championship™ Official Medical Cars:
| Year | Model |
|---|---|
| 1996 | C 36 AMG (W 202) |
| 1997 | C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210) |
| 1998-2000 | C 55 AMG Estate (S 202) |
| 2001-2003 | C 32 AMG Estate (S 203) |
| 2004-2007 | C 55 AMG Estate (S 203) |
| 2008-2014 | C 63 AMG Estate (S 204) |
| 2015-2021 | Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Wagon (S 205) |
| 2022 | Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ (X 290) |
Mercedes-AMG’s continued provision of the Official Safety Car and Medical Car underscores their unwavering commitment to safety and performance in Formula 1. The selection of the AMG GT Black Series and GT 63 S 4MATIC+ as the Mercedes F1 cars for these critical roles demonstrates the brand’s dedication to pushing technological boundaries and ensuring the highest safety standards in motorsport’s most demanding environment.
