(Motorsport-Total.com) – Mercedes-AMG will introduce a new Safety Car for Formula 1 starting from the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ replaces the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which has been in use since 2022 and will be retired after 51 deployments – most recently at the 2026 Belgian GP.
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With this model change, the manufacturer from Affalterbach provides the safety vehicle for the racing series for the 30th consecutive year. For the first time, a vehicle with all-wheel drive will be used as a Safety Car. The fully variable all-wheel drive, in combination with the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, which produces 612 hp (450 kW) and develops a torque of 850 Nm, is intended to ensure the necessary traction in all track conditions.
A special feature of the car is the integration of the signal system into the rear wing, which combines high visibility with aerodynamic efficiency. Additional LED signal lights in the front section as well as in the front and rear lights increase visibility during racing operations.
The green and orange light modules signal different instructions, thus supporting communication with the field of drivers. While the orange signals indicate a no-overtaking zone, the green lights allow overtaking of the Safety Car.
The system is complemented by additional flashing functions on the headlights and taillights, as well as camera technology integrated into the rear wing. All light modules are dimmable and can be adapted to different lighting conditions.
The aerodynamics, already designed for high performance, have been further developed for use as a Safety Car. A new front splitter, a modified rear wing with an active flap, and aerodynamic guide elements at the front of the vehicle – so-called dive planes – which generate additional downforce on the front axle through targeted air deflection, improve stability, especially in fast corners and at high speeds.
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Inside, the vehicle is equipped according to the specifications of the FIA (International Automobile Federation). This includes racing bucket seats with six-point harnesses, a roll cage, and a special on-board network management system for radio, GPS, and camera technology. The systems are controlled via two central tablets in the center console, which have been enlarged compared to previous models.
The sports car is powered by a fuel consisting of 40 percent sustainable components and runs on Pirelli PZero R tires. For the race in Budapest, two identical models in a special anniversary design will be ready, driven by Bernd Mayländer.
“The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ as the official Formula 1 Safety Car combines maximum safety with impressive sportiness and driving pleasure,” says Mayländer. “The agile and direct reactions to driving commands are absolutely spot on.”
“It is the first Safety Car with all-wheel drive. This results in optimal traction, which is particularly noticeable in conjunction with all other technical aspects. It truly shows its strengths especially in corners and during acceleration. It is an exceptional road vehicle. Now I look forward to driving the new Safety Car for the first time under real conditions in Hungary.”
Technical Data of the Safety Car
Engine: 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine
Max. Power: 450 kW / 612 hp
Max. Torque: 850 Nm
Top Speed: 317 km/h
Transmission: AMG Speedshift MCT 9G (9-speed sports transmission)
Brakes: AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system with 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear
Aerodynamics: New front splitter, additional aerodynamic guide elements at the front of the vehicle (Dive Planes) and modified rear wing with active flap
Drive: Fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+
Chassis: AMG Active Ride Control with active roll stabilization
Signal System: Integrated into the front section and rear wing, as well as in the front and rear headlights
Communication: FIA-specific radio, GPS, and camera technology with central control panel
Fuel: 75 liters / PETRONAS Primax Pro-Race M2 – 100-octane fuel from 40 percent sustainable components (10 percent ethanol, 30 percent eFuel)
Safety: Roll cage, 6-point safety belts, RECARO racing bucket seats
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