Mercedes to become sole F1 safety car supplier as Aston Martin steps down
Mercedes becomes the sole supplier of F1 safety and medical cars in 2026, ending Aston Martin's shared role. The move resolves performance disparities that previously drew criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen.
Mercedes will serve as the exclusive supplier of Formula 1's safety and medical cars starting in the 2026 season, ending Aston Martin's shared partnership. The British manufacturer, which joined the safety car program in 2021, has decided to step back, leaving Mercedes to handle all official track duties alone.
Why it matters:
The performance delta between safety cars has been a point of contention for drivers and teams, affecting tire temperatures and race restart strategies. Standardizing the fleet under one manufacturer removes the variability that led to criticism and ensures a consistent baseline for safety interventions during races.
The details:
- A Controversial Start: Aston Martin's entry was rocky. The initial Vantage F1 Edition was 45kg heavier and suffered a 200bhp deficit compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
- The "Green Turtle": This performance gap famously prompted Max Verstappen to mock the car as a "green turtle" at the 2022 Australian GP, criticizing its 140km/h pace on the back straight when no damage was present.
- Rapid Evolution: Aston Martin responded aggressively. By the 2024 Dutch GP, they introduced the Vantage S, boosting power to 670bhp with larger turbochargers, new camshafts, and significant aero upgrades like a rear deck spoiler.
- Mercedes' Dominance: Mercedes has been the staple of F1 safety since 1996. Their current medical car, the AMG GT 63 S, produces 639hp and hits 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, showcasing the high-performance standard expected on the grid.
What's next:
Although the exact commercial reasons for Aston Martin's withdrawal are unclear, Mercedes is poised to continue its legacy uninterrupted. The 2026 season will see the Silver Arrows maintain full control over the safety car fleet, likely featuring the continued CrowdStrike branding seen in recent seasons.