When the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022 kicked off the season on March 18-20, Mercedes-AMG continued its long-standing commitment to safety in the FIA Formula One World Championship™. For the 2022 season, two new, high-performance models took on the crucial roles of Official F1® Safety Car and Official F1® Medical Car, further cementing the importance of the Mercedes F1 Car in motorsport safety. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series debuted as the Official F1® Safety Car, while the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ took over as the Official F1® Medical Car, showcasing the most powerful iterations of these vehicles to date.
Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the brand’s dedication: “Recent years have seen Mercedes-AMG celebrate incredible successes in Formula 1. Eight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles in the last eight years speak volumes. This success, combined with the significant technology and image transfer from the pinnacle of motorsport to our production vehicles, underscores the deep connection between motorsport and Mercedes-AMG. Motorsport is integral to our identity, and so is providing the highest level of safety. Extending our commitment as the provider of the safety car and medical car for over 25 years was an obvious decision, especially with two such exceptional vehicles from our lineup.” These vehicles exemplify the pinnacle of Mercedes F1 car technology applied to safety.
Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Motorsport of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, added, “Since 1996, Mercedes-AMG has consistently provided Formula 1 with essential emergency vehicles. As the Official F1 Safety Car, our performance vehicles have reliably guided the Formula 1 field in challenging conditions or incidents. Our Official F1 Medical Car is always ready to provide rapid response when needed. For the 2022 season, we’ve elevated our commitment with the most powerful models yet – the AMG GT Black Series and the AMG GT 63 S. Their on-track performance reflects their pure motorsport DNA more than ever before. While we are incredibly proud to provide these crucial Mercedes F1 car models, we, of course, hope they are called into action as infrequently as possible.”
Bernd Mayländer, the experienced driver of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ Official Safety Car since 2000, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be driving the Formula 1 safety car again for the 2022 season. And I’m particularly excited that this year it’s a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Having tested this phenomenal vehicle extensively, I’m astounded by its race car pedigree. It’s a significant leap from last year’s GT R, which was already exceptionally capable. Having a Mercedes F1 car like this as my workplace in the name of safety is truly a dream.”
Seamless Safety Signaling: A New Era for the Mercedes F1 Car Safety Car
Technically, both the safety car and medical car remain largely in standard production form, albeit with essential, job-specific equipment. A groundbreaking innovation in the Official F1® Safety Car is the integration of signaling lights directly into the vehicle’s structure, eliminating the traditional roof light bar that would compromise the AMG GT Black Series’ aerodynamics. Engineers in Affalterbach ingeniously embedded the front signaling into the windscreen’s upper edge and seamlessly integrated the rear lights into the rear spoiler. Fast-reacting, energy-efficient LEDs handle all signaling functions on this advanced Mercedes F1 car.
Innovative Light Integration:
At the front, three orange and one green LED modules are strategically positioned on each side of the AMG logo, aligned with the sun visors. The rear spoiler’s main blade features 13 orange LEDs – three constant lights on each outer edge and seven central flashing lights. Additionally, four wider green LED modules are incorporated. Two miniature video cameras in the spoiler strut provide internal views, with one serving as an electronic rearview mirror for the co-driver and the other transmitting live TV footage. Side window light modules displaying “SC” (Safety Car) in orange further enhance trackside visibility for spectators, making this Mercedes F1 car a leader in safety technology.
Safety Light Functionality:
- Orange: Activated when the safety car is deployed. Flashing rear and constant front orange LEDs signal “no overtaking allowed”.
- Green: Used when the safety car enters mid-field during a safety car phase. Green LEDs front and rear indicate drivers can overtake the safety car.
- Dimmable LEDs: All modules are fully dimmable, adjusting light intensity for day, night, or floodlit racing conditions, ensuring optimal visibility for this Mercedes F1 car in any situation.
The rear license plate also synchronizes with the safety lights, illuminating in orange or green. Rapidly flashing headlights and taillights further amplify the signaling effectiveness of this crucial Mercedes F1 car.
Standard Interior Enhanced for F1 Duty
The Official F1® Safety Car’s interior mirrors the standard AMG GT Black Series, including the Track Package with rollover protection. A titanium tubular roll cage enhances chassis stiffness and passive safety.
Track-Focused Interior Additions:
FIA-mandated six-point safety harnesses and two tablets in the center console and passenger instrument panel are the key additions. Co-driver Richard Darker uses these to monitor the Formula 1® field. The left tablet displays the international TV feed, while the right toggles between track car positioning and lap times. An InCar Hotspot with WLAN manages data for visual communication. Bernd Mayländer focuses on driving and track awareness, while Richard Darker maintains radio contact with race control, using two red radio command buttons and volume knobs in the center console. A second radio system serves as backup.
Lightweight bucket seats, part of the customer-available Track Package, are standard. A small cup holder is uniquely added to the safety car. A headliner-mounted panel with color-coded buttons controls light signaling, designed for use with racing gloves in this specialized Mercedes F1 car.
FIA-Specific Systems and Racetrack Prowess
FIA-specific systems, identical to those in Formula 1® race cars, are integrated, including a transponder, high-resolution GPS, telemetry, and a “marshalling system” displaying flag signals via LEDs. A “medical warning light” flashes upon critical g-force impacts, alerting the safety team to potential incidents, making this Mercedes F1 car ready for any eventuality.
The AMG GT Black Series is engineered for demanding racetrack service. Its front-mid-engine, transaxle configuration, V8 biturbo engine with dry-sump lubrication, dual-clutch transmission, and tuned chassis ensure exceptional track performance. Lightweight materials contribute to low weight, a low center of gravity, and optimal weight distribution. This Mercedes F1 car is built for speed and precision.
Motorsport DNA: AMG GT Black Series Performance
The AMG GT Black Series, the pinnacle of the two-door AMG GT range, is designed for racetrack dominance. With 730 hp, a stiffened body, adjustable suspension, lightweight engineering, and active aerodynamics, no other road-legal AMG is closer to motorsport. Its AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, titanium silencer exhaust, manually adjustable suspension with adaptive dampers, and customizable camber and anti-roll bar settings underscore its racing pedigree. Enhanced handling and performance come from pivot bearings, carbon-fiber shear plates, and adapted engine and transmission mounts in this ultimate Mercedes F1 car.
Suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics are finely tuned for extreme demands. Affalterbach suspension specialists optimized the setup with Pirelli P Zero tires for diverse track and weather conditions. Standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite brakes and precisely tuned aerodynamics, including a large front skirt, flaps, splitter, rear skirt tear-off edge, and electronically controlled rear wing, provide optimal downforce and balance.
The Mercedes F1 car safety car’s acceleration and top speed are more than sufficient, mirroring the production version’s 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds and 325 km/h top speed.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+: The New Official F1® Medical Car
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ debuted as the Official F1® Medical Car, succeeding the C 63 S AMG Wagon. This new Mercedes F1 car medical vehicle is crewed by up to three medics, including FIA Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr. Ian Roberts, and one or two local medics.
The medical car trails the F1® field on the first lap, ensuring immediate medical response during this critical race phase. Throughout the race, it remains on standby in the pit lane alongside the safety car, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Fastest Medical Response:
The Official F1® Medical Car prioritizes speed. Its 639 hp 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a 315 km/h top speed. Sharing the safety car’s V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, dynamic engine mounts, and electronic rear locking differential from the production model, it also gains fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive for superior traction in all conditions. AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension and AMG high-performance ceramic brakes ensure optimal racetrack performance for this vital Mercedes F1 car.
Medical Car Distinctions:
Visually, the medical car differs with FIA and F1® logos, a roof light bar on a wind-resistant carbon-fiber scoop (wind-tunnel tested for optimized airflow to the fixed rear wing), and a steeply angled fixed rear wing for maximum downforce. The optional Aerodynamic Package mirrors the road car version. Signal-function headlights and taillights and an illuminated “medical car” rear license plate are further distinctions. The spacious trunk holds comprehensive emergency equipment, including a defibrillator, breathing apparatus, rescue cutter, and fire extinguishers. Flashing lights activate when the rear lid is open.
Specialized Interior for Medical Support:
Four racing bucket seats with six-point front and four-point rear harnesses secure occupants. Seat consoles are welded to the car floor for enhanced safety. An FIA switch unit and radio for race management communication are included. Three dashboard tablets and an electronic rearview mirror monitor provide race information. Like the safety car, it features an InCar Hotspot and WLAN.
Formula 1® drivers’ sensor-equipped gloves transmit vital signs to paramedics in the medical car in real-time, displayed on screens for immediate assessment and targeted first response, making this Mercedes F1 car a mobile intensive care unit.
Striking Livery and Shared Commitment
Both the Mercedes-AMG Official F1® Safety Car and Official F1® Medical Car feature distinctive red paintwork, aligning with Mercedes-AMG and CrowdStrike, the safety car’s sponsor since 2021. CrowdStrike’s white lettering and logos are prominently displayed, reflecting their cybersecurity leadership and commitment to “stop breaches,” mirrored by the safety provided by the Mercedes F1 car.
The medical car displays FIA Formula One World Championship™ emblems and the AMG logo. Black aerodynamic elements, lower bodywork, and red-edged black AMG alloy wheels complete the visual package for both vehicles.
AMG technicians expertly maintain these vehicles throughout the Formula 1® season, ensuring peak performance. Mercedes-AMG shares safety car and medical car duties with Aston Martin, highlighting their broad technical cooperation, including Mercedes-AMG’s engine supply to Aston Martin. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to safety and performance in Formula 1, with the Mercedes F1 car leading the way.
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) |
