The Formula 1 season roared into action on March 18-20 with the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022, and once again, Mercedes-AMG stepped up to ensure the highest levels of safety for the FIA Formula One World Championship™. For the 2022 season, two incredibly capable performance models, proven on the track, took on the critical roles of Official F1® Safety Car and Official F1® Medical Car. Leading the charge as the Official F1® Safety Car for the first time was the breathtaking Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, while the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ debuted as the Official F1® Medical Car. These weren’t just any models; the 2022 season saw the most powerful iterations of these vehicles ever to grace the Formula 1 circuit.
Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the brand’s deep connection to motorsport and safety: “Recent years have been incredibly successful for Mercedes-AMG in Formula 1. Eight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles in the last eight years speak volumes. This success on the greatest motorsport stage directly benefits our production vehicles through extensive technology and image transfer. Motorsport is integral to Mercedes-AMG, 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 with two truly exceptional vehicles from our lineup.”
Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Motorsport of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, further highlighted the long-standing tradition and the advancements for 2022: “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 for rapid response. For the 2022 season, we elevated our commitment with the most potent models to date – the AMG GT Black Series and the AMG GT 63 S. Their track performance underscores their pure motorsport DNA more than ever before. Of course, as always, we sincerely hope these vehicles are needed as little as possible.”
Bernd Mayländer, the experienced driver of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ Official Safety Car since 2000, expressed his enthusiasm for the new safety car: “I’m thrilled to be driving the Formula 1 safety car again for the 2022 season. And I’m especially excited that this year it’s a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Having tested this incredible machine extensively, I’m amazed by how close it is to a dedicated race car. It’s a significant leap from last year’s GT R, which was already exceptionally capable. Having this as my workplace for safety is a dream come true.”
Innovative Safety Car Signaling
Both the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Safety Car and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ Medical Car are largely based on their standard production counterparts. However, they incorporate specialized equipment essential for their demanding roles on the track. A striking innovation in the Official F1® Safety Car is the seamless integration of signaling lights, eliminating the traditional roof light bar that would compromise the AMG GT Black Series’ aerodynamics. Engineers in Affalterbach ingeniously integrated the necessary lighting into the vehicle’s structure. Front signaling lights are positioned in the upper windshield area, while rear-facing lights are elegantly incorporated into the rear spoiler. Energy-efficient and fast-reacting LED lights are used for all signaling functions.
Strategic Light Module Placement
At the front, flanking the AMG logo at sun visor level, are three small orange light modules and one large green module on each side. The rear spoiler’s main upper blade houses 13 orange LEDs – three constant lights on each outer edge and seven central flashing lights. Additionally, four wider, green LED modules are present. Two small video cameras are integrated into the spoiler strut on the right side, providing internal views. One camera acts as an electronic rearview mirror for the co-driver, displayed on a small monitor near the conventional rearview mirror. The second camera transmits a live TV feed. For spectators, each rear side window features a light module displaying “SC” (Safety Car) in orange when active.
Safety Light Functionality
The light system operates with intuitive color-coding:
- Orange: Activated when the safety car is deployed. Flashing orange lights in the rear center and constant orange lights at the front signal “no overtaking.”
- Green: When the safety car enters mid-field at the start of a safety car phase, green modules activate front and rear, indicating to drivers they may overtake the safety car.
All light modules are fully dimmable, adjusting intensity for conditions like nighttime racing or bright sunlight. The rear number plate also illuminates in orange or green, synchronized with the safety lights. Rapid flashing headlights and rear lights further enhance visibility when the safety car is on track.
Standard Interior with Track-Ready Upgrades
The Official F1® Safety Car’s interior mirrors the standard AMG GT Black Series with the optional Track Package, including rollover protection. A lightweight titanium roll cage, bolted-in and comprising a main frame, belt-fixture brace, rear braces, and a diagonal rear cross, enhances vehicle stiffness and passive safety, positively impacting performance.
Advanced Monitoring for Co-Driver
Unique additions include FIA-mandated six-point safety harnesses and two tablets in the center console and passenger-side instrument panel. These enable co-driver Richard Darker to monitor the Formula 1® race. The left tablet displays the international TV feed, while the right monitor switches between a track animation showing car positions and current lap times. An InCar Hotspot with WLAN manages data for visual communication. Bernd Mayländer focuses on driving while Richard Darker maintains radio contact with race control, using red buttons and rotary knobs in the center console for radio commands and volume adjustment. An intercom system facilitates communication between them, with a backup radio system for emergencies. Lightweight bucket seats, part of the Track Package, are standard, with a small cup holder added to the safety car’s seats. A headliner-mounted panel with color-coded buttons controls light signaling, designed for use with racing gloves.
FIA-Standard Race Systems
Further FIA-specific systems, identical to those in Formula 1® race cars, are integrated. These include a transponder for timing, high-resolution GPS, telemetry, and the “marshalling system,” displaying track flag signals via colored LEDs. A “medical warning light” flashes upon critical g-force impacts, alerting the safety car crew to prepare for action.
Engineered for Racetrack Demands
The Safety Car faces demanding requirements: high cornering speeds, rapid acceleration, and fast lap times. It must safely lead top-tier race cars in extreme situations without driving too slowly, which could cool down Formula 1 car tires and brakes or cause engine overheating.
The AMG GT Black Series excels in 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 rapid racetrack performance. Intelligent lightweight construction ensures low weight, a low center of gravity, and optimal weight distribution.
Closest to Motorsport AMG Yet
The AMG GT Black Series, the flagship of the two-door AMG GT range, is purpose-built for the racetrack. With 537 kW (730 hp), a stiffened body, adjustable suspension, intelligent lightweight engineering, and active aerodynamics, it’s the closest road-legal AMG to motorsport. This extends to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, thin-gauge stainless steel exhaust with titanium silencer, manually adjustable and adaptive damper suspension, and adjustable camber and anti-roll bars. Enhanced handling and performance are further achieved through pivot bearings, carbon-fiber shear plates, and adapted engine and transmission mounts.
Track-Optimized Suspension, Brakes, Aerodynamics
Affalterbach suspension specialists tuned the Safety Car’s setup with Pirelli P Zero tires for optimal performance on all tracks and in all conditions. Standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite brakes are retained from the production AMG GT Black Series, as is the finely tuned aerodynamics package, featuring a large front skirt, flaps, a bigger front splitter, a rear skirt tear-off edge, and a two-blade rear wing with an electronically controlled flap for optimal downforce and balance. Acceleration and top speed are more than sufficient, with the standard AMG GT Black Series achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a 325 km/h top speed.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ Medical Car: Speed and Support
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ debuted as the Official F1® Medical Car, succeeding the C 63 S AMG Wagon. This new Medical Car is equipped for rapid emergency response, carrying up to three medics, including FIA Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr. Ian Roberts, and local medics in the rear. The medical car follows the Formula 1® field on the first lap, a critical phase with closely packed race cars, ensuring immediate medical access in case of incidents. During the race, it remains on standby in the pit lane alongside the safety car.
Fastest, Most Powerful F1® Medical Car
The Official F1® Medical Car prioritizes speed and performance. Its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivers 470 kW (639 hp), accelerating the four-door coupe from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a 315 km/h top speed. Like the safety car, it shares the standard road car’s V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, dynamic engine mounts, and electronic rear locking differential. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive offers superior traction and safety, even in adverse weather, a key 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.
Aerodynamic and Functional Enhancements
Visually, the medical car differs from the standard model with FIA and F1® logos and a roof light bar mounted on a carbon-fiber scoop, designed for minimal drag and optimized airflow to the fixed rear wing. Wind tunnel testing refined the scoop and light bar design. The rear wing blade is set at a maximum angle for downforce. The optional Aerodynamic Package mirrors the road-going version. Signal-function headlights and taillights, and an illuminated rear number plate with “medical car” lettering, further distinguish it. The spacious trunk houses 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.
Specialized Interior for Medical Response
Inside, four individual racing bucket seats with six-point harnesses in front and four-point harnesses in the rear securely hold the medical team. Seat consoles are welded to the car floor for maximum safety. An FIA switch unit, similar to the safety car’s, is located in the center console. A radio set facilitates communication with race management. Three dashboard-mounted tablets and an electronic rearview mirror monitor keep the team informed on the race. Like the safety car, the medical car features an InCar Hotspot and WLAN. Formula 1® drivers’ gloves with vital sign sensors transmit real-time data (pulse rate, blood-oxygen level) to paramedics in the medical car, displayed on a screen, enabling informed and rapid medical response.
Distinctive Red Livery and Sponsorship
Both the Mercedes-AMG Official F1® Safety Car and Medical Car sported striking red paintwork for the 2022 season, a color representing both Mercedes-AMG and CrowdStrike, the Official F1® Safety Car sponsor. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity leader and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team partner since 2019, is prominently featured with white lettering and logos, highlighting their commitment to stopping breaches, symbolized by the color red.
The medical car features FIA Formula One World Championship™ emblems and the AMG logo. Both cars share black aerodynamic elements, lower bodywork, and black AMG alloy wheels with red accents. Throughout race weekends, these vehicles ensure maximum safety across all Formula 1® and support races. Three AMG technicians maintain the vehicles throughout the season. Mercedes-AMG shares safety and medical car duties with Aston Martin, a brand with whom they have a technical partnership, including Mercedes-AMG supplying engines.
Mercedes-AMG FIA Formula One World Championship™ Official Safety Cars History
| 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 History
| 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) |
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