Mercedes introduces new 612hp F1 Safety Car: Everything you need to know

Formula 1 will debut a brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Safety Car at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, replacing the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series that had served as the championship's official Safety Car in recent seasons.

The new machine marks another milestone in Mercedes' long-standing association with Formula 1, arriving as the manufacturer's 14th official Safety Car and celebrating 30 years of supplying Safety Cars to the sport.

Here's everything you need to know about the latest addition to the F1 grid.

Why has Formula 1 introduced a new Safety Car?

The FIA and Formula 1 periodically update the Safety Car to incorporate the latest road car technology and improve performance, reliability and safety.

Mercedes says the new AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ offers better stability, greater visibility and improved traction, allowing it to maintain higher speeds during Safety Car periods. This is important because the quicker the Safety Car can circulate, the easier it is for Formula 1 cars to keep their tyres and brakes up to operating temperature.

The new model replaces the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and will make its race weekend debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

What are the specifications?

The new Safety Car is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing:

• Power: 612 hp
• Torque: 850 Nm
• Transmission: AMG Speedshift MCT 9G
• Drivetrain: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive

It is the first Formula 1 Safety Car to feature a variable all-wheel-drive system, improving traction in both dry and wet conditions.

What has changed from the previous Safety Car?

Mercedes has introduced several upgrades specifically for Formula 1 duties.

First all-wheel-drive Safety Car

The biggest change is the introduction of Mercedes' variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, giving the car greater grip and stability, particularly when accelerating out of corners or driving in wet weather.

Improved aerodynamics

The Safety Car features:

• New front splitter
• Revised rear wing with an active flap
• Front dive planes
• Additional aerodynamic elements

These upgrades generate more front-end downforce and improve stability at high speeds, helping the Safety Car maintain a quicker pace.

Better visibility

Mercedes has integrated a new LED signalling system directly into the rear wing while adding extra warning lights around the vehicle to improve visibility for drivers following behind in all weather conditions.

Enhanced braking

The car is equipped with AMG High Performance ceramic composite brakes, providing greater stopping power and durability during repeated high-speed use.

Who will drive the new Safety Car?

Veteran FIA Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer remains behind the wheel.

Mayländer has driven Formula 1 Safety Cars for more than two decades and will debut the new Mercedes at the Hungaroring.

Speaking about the new car, he praised its responsiveness and highlighted the benefits of the new all-wheel-drive system, particularly through corners and under acceleration.

Why is the car wearing a special livery?

For its first appearance, the Safety Car will feature a one-off black-and-red anniversary livery commemorating 30 years of Mercedes supplying Safety Cars to Formula 1.

Mercedes has provided Safety Cars since 1996 and, from 2026 onwards, became Formula 1's sole supplier after previously sharing responsibilities with Aston Martin.

Why is the Safety Car important in Formula 1?

The Safety Car is deployed whenever an on-track incident makes racing conditions unsafe but does not require a race suspension.

Its responsibilities include:

• Slowing the field safely after accidents or debris
• Allowing marshals to clear the circuit
• Maintaining the running order during neutralisations
• Helping restart racing safely once conditions improve

Because modern Formula 1 cars lose tyre temperature quickly, the Safety Car must drive at a brisk pace to prevent excessive cooling, making performance upgrades an important part of every new generation.

When will fans see it in action?

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ will make its competitive debut at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, where it will lead the field whenever Safety Car conditions are required. Its introduction marks the latest evolution in Formula 1's safety infrastructure as the championship continues to adopt newer technologies both on and off the track.