New Mercedes-AMG F1 Safety Car introduced
With 2026 marking 30 years of Mercedes-Benz as the Official FIA F1 Safety Car provider, the brand has celebrated by debuting a new car in the role. The Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix in July saw the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ introduced, replacing the GT Black Series that has served as F1’s Safety Car since 2022.
The 14th F1 Safety Car to be supplied by Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG, the GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ is the first to feature variable all-wheel drive. According to Mercedes, their 4MATIC+ system delivers the precise turn-in and outstanding driving dynamics needed to support F1, even in demanding conditions.
Beyond its 4MATIC+ AWD system, the GT 63 PRO features a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 450kW and 850Nm. That power is transmitted to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission, with a listed top speed of 317km/h in standard form. No change has been to this engine for the Safety Car role, nor the cooling system, brakes or suspension that includes AMG Active Ride Control. Pirelli P Zero R tyres are standard.
Mercedes-AMG supply two Safety Cars – one main car and one reserve – with additions to both including green and orange signalling lights in the rear wing that indicate if the vehicle can be overtaken or not. Ther are additional LED lights of the same type at the front, plus modified head and tail lights.
A camera is integrated into the rear wing, which has been modified and incorporates an active flap as part of an aerodynamic upgrade. There’s also a new front splitter and dive planes that improve stability at high speed by placing more downforce over the front wheels.
Other additions include FIA-specific radio communication, GPS and camera systems, operated via a tablet on the centre console. In the unlikely event of an accident, the car is also fitted with a repositioned fuel tank, Makrolon polycarbonate windscreens (in place of actual glass), a roll cage and Recaro racing seats with six-point harnesses.
The finishing touch for both cars is a special livery in black, accented with 30th Anniversary logos on the bonnet, roof and rear wing.
