Formula 1 will have two official Safety Cars in 2021 as Aston Martin will supply Safety and Medical Cars to the Championship – alongside Mercedes-Benz - for the first time in the iconic British brand's illustrious history. The eye-catching silver Mercedes-Benz has also had a new paint job and will be a vibrant red when the cars take off for the first time in Bahrain this weekend.
Safety cars
The Aston Martin Vantage has extra features that make it more capable on track than a standard production equivalent. Its 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine has 535PS, for starters. That is a further 25PS. In addition, it sustains its maximum torque figure for longer. Expect 685Nm. The car also hits 60mph in only 3.5 seconds. Other special features include:
- optimised gearbox
- greater downforce
- lower profile tyres
- upgraded steering, suspension, and dampers
- light bar on the roof
- screens that confirm the position of the race cars, etc.
The Aston Martin Vantage is not alone, though. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Safety Car shares its responsibilities and is also immensely quick. Strengths include its 4.0 litre, V8, twin-turbo engine, 585PS, and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Expect 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds.
Medical cars
The Aston Martin DBX Medical Car has a different job. Its role is to get a doctor, medical supplies, and safety equipment to the scene of a collision as fast as possible. This sports-utility vehicle carries a defibrillator, for example. It complements the burn kit and fire extinguishers. Power comes via a 4.0 litre, V8, 550PS, twin-turbo engine. The engine also produces 700Nm of torque.
The Mercedes-Benz C63 S Estate shares such duties on the race track. It has a: 4.0 litre V8 turbo engine, 510PS, and ceramic brakes. It is an immensely fast, practical, and spacious workhorse.
F1 boss delighted
Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali, is pleased to have such cars on the track. ‘Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG are iconic automotive brands’, he emphasised. ‘We are proud of their place in this incredible sport.’