When the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022 kicked off the season on March 18-20, Mercedes-AMG continued its long-standing commitment to Formula 1 safety. For over 25 years, Mercedes-AMG has provided the official Safety Car and Medical Car, and the 2022 season saw the debut of their most powerful vehicles yet: the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series as the Official F1® Safety Car and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ as the Official F1® Medical Car. These high-performance models, already proven on the racetrack, represent the pinnacle of safety and technology in Formula 1.
Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the brand’s dedication to motorsport and safety: “Recent years have seen Mercedes-AMG celebrate a huge number of amazing successes in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Eight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles in the last eight years speak emphatically for themselves. Added to that is the extensive and widespread transfer of technology and image from this greatest of all motorsport stages and our series-production vehicles. Motorsport means so much to us, as does the best possible level of safety. There was absolutely no question that, after more than 25 years, we would extend our commitment as the provider of the safety car and medical car – with two absolutely outstanding vehicles from our line-up.” This commitment underscores the importance Mercedes-AMG places on both performance and safety in the demanding world of Formula 1.
Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Motorsport of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, further elaborated on the significance of these vehicles: “Since 1996 – that’s every single year for more than a quarter of a century – Mercedes-AMG has been supplying the vehicles Formula 1 needs in emergencies. In their role as Official F1 Safety Car, our performance vehicles have been safely leading the Formula 1 field around the track when called upon in bad weather or in the event of an incident. When needed, our Official F1 Medical Car is on the spot as quickly as possible. To ensure this, we have upped the ante even further for the 2022 season with our most powerful models to-date, the AMG GT Black Series and the AMG GT 63 S. What’s more, their on-track performance displays their unfiltered motorsport DNA more than any of their predecessors. As always, of course, I nevertheless hope that these vehicles are called upon for support as little as possible.” The selection of the AMG GT Black Series and GT 63 S highlights Mercedes-AMG’s continuous pursuit of excellence and safety innovation in Formula 1.
Official F1 Safety Car: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series took over as the Official F1 Safety Car, replacing the previous GT R model. Bernd Mayländer, the experienced driver of the FIA Formula One World ChampionshipTM Official Safety Car since 2000, expressed his enthusiasm for the new vehicle: “I’m so happy that I will once again be at the wheel of the Formula 1 safety car for the 2022 season. And I’m especially pleased that this year it’s a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. I’ve already had the chance to test this amazing vehicle many times and I’m simply blown away by how close it is to a thoroughbred race car. It really is a major step compared to last year’s GT R – which was already at an extremely high level. To have a workplace like this in the name of safety is a dream come true.” Mayländer’s positive feedback emphasizes the performance and race-ready nature of the AMG GT Black Series, making it exceptionally suited for its crucial role in Formula 1.
Technical Excellence of the GT Black Series Safety Car
From a technical perspective, the safety car remains largely in standard production form, a testament to the inherent performance capabilities of the AMG GT Black Series. However, it incorporates essential modifications for its demanding track duties. One of the most significant changes is the innovative integration of safety signaling. Unlike previous safety cars, the AMG GT Black Series forgoes the traditional roof-mounted light bar. Mercedes-AMG engineers ingeniously integrated the signaling system directly into the vehicle’s structure to maintain optimal aerodynamics.
Seamlessly Integrated Safety Signaling:
The front signaling is embedded within the windshield’s upper edge, while rear-facing lights are elegantly incorporated into the rear spoiler. This design choice was crucial to preserve the refined aerodynamic balance of the AMG GT Black Series. Fast-reacting and energy-efficient LED lights are used for all signaling functions.
- Front Module: Positioned at sun visor level, the front module includes three small orange light modules and one large green module on each side of the AMG logo.
- Rear Spoiler Module: The main blade of the rear spoiler houses thirteen orange LEDs, with outer lights shining steadily and center lights flashing as needed. Additionally, four wider green LED modules are present.
- Rear View Monitoring: Two miniature video cameras are integrated into the spoiler strut, providing images inside the car. One acts as an electronic rearview mirror for the co-driver, Richard Darker, and the other transmits a live TV feed.
- Side Window Markers: For spectators, each rear side window features a light module displaying “SC” in orange when the safety car is deployed.
Safety Light Functions Explained:
- Orange Lights: Activated when the safety car is deployed. Flashing orange lights at the rear and steady orange lights at the front signal “no overtaking.”
- Green Lights: When the safety car joins the track mid-field, green modules are activated front and rear, indicating drivers can overtake the safety car.
- Dimmable LEDs: All modules are fully dimmable, adjusting light intensity for night races or bright daylight conditions.
- Synchronized Lighting: The rear number plate illuminates in orange or green, synchronized with the safety lights. Headlights and taillights also flash rapidly for enhanced visibility.
Standard Interior with Track-Ready Upgrades:
The interior of the Official F1® Safety Car mirrors the standard AMG GT Black Series, complete with the optional Track Package and rollover protection. A lightweight titanium roll cage, bolted into place, enhances vehicle stiffness and passive safety. FIA-mandated six-point safety harnesses and two tablets are the primary additions. These tablets, located in the center console and passenger-side instrument panel, allow co-driver Richard Darker to monitor the Formula 1® race. The left tablet displays the international TV signal, while the right monitor shows race car positions or lap times. An InCar Hotspot with WLAN manages data for visual communication. Radio communication equipment is also integrated, allowing direct contact with race control.
FIA-specific systems, identical to those in Formula 1® race cars, are also installed. These include a transponder, high-resolution GPS, telemetry, and a marshalling system displaying track flag signals via LEDs in the instrument binnacle. A “medical warning light” alerts the crew to significant accidents based on g-force thresholds.
Engineered for Racetrack Demands:
The AMG GT Black Series is inherently built for high-performance driving, essential for a Formula 1 safety car. Its front-mid-engine with transaxle configuration, V8 biturbo engine with dry-sump lubrication, dual-clutch transmission, and finely tuned chassis provide exceptional racetrack capabilities. Lightweight construction and optimized weight distribution further enhance its dynamics. The 730 hp engine and advanced suspension system ensure the safety car can maintain speeds necessary to keep F1 cars’ tires and brakes at optimal temperatures during safety periods, while also being capable of rapid acceleration when needed.
Official F1 Medical Car: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+
Joining the safety car is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, debuting as the Official F1® Medical Car, succeeding the C 63 S AMG Wagon. This high-performance four-door coupe is crucial for rapid emergency response, carrying up to three medics, including FIA Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr. Ian Roberts, and local medics. The medical car strategically follows the F1 field on the first lap and remains on standby in the pit lane during the race, ensuring immediate medical assistance in case of an incident.
The Fastest Medical Car in Formula 1 History
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ is the most powerful and fastest medical car in Formula 1 history. Its 639 hp 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 315 km/h. Like the safety car, it largely utilizes standard production components, including the engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, dynamic engine mounts, and electronic rear locking differential. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive provides superior traction and safety in all weather conditions, a significant advantage over its rear-wheel-drive predecessor. The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension and AMG high-performance ceramic brakes are also standard, optimized for carrying medical personnel and equipment at high speeds.
Aerodynamic enhancements differentiate the medical car externally. A carbon-fiber scoop on the roof minimizes wind resistance and optimizes airflow to the fixed rear wing, which is set at a steep angle for maximum downforce. The medical car also features distinctive FIA and F1® logos, a roof-mounted light bar, and illuminated “medical car” lettering on the rear number plate. The spacious trunk accommodates a full suite of emergency equipment, including a defibrillator, breathing apparatus, rescue cutter, and fire extinguishers.
Inside, four racing bucket seats with six-point harnesses in front and four-point harnesses in the rear ensure occupant safety. Tablets and an additional monitor provide race information, mirroring the safety car’s setup. Crucially, the medical car is equipped to receive real-time data from sensors in F1 drivers’ gloves, allowing paramedics to monitor vital signs like pulse rate and blood-oxygen levels, enabling immediate and informed medical intervention.
A Legacy of F1 Safety
Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to Formula 1 safety is deeply rooted, extending back to 1996. The brand has consistently provided cutting-edge safety and medical cars, continuously evolving with technological advancements and the ever-increasing demands of Formula 1. The choice of the AMG GT Black Series and GT 63 S 4MATIC+ for the 2022 season reinforces this dedication, showcasing Mercedes-AMG’s unwavering focus on performance, innovation, and, above all, safety in motorsport’s most demanding arena. The distinctive red livery, shared by both vehicles and accented with black aerodynamic elements and CrowdStrike sponsorship on the safety car, visually underscores this commitment to safety and performance.
Mercedes-AMG FIA Formula One World Championship™ Official Safety Cars:
| 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) |
| 2012-2014 | 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:
| 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) |
