Mercedes returns as sole F1 Safety Car provider: a three-decade legacy continues into 2026

Mercedes has officially confirmed its return as the sole provider of Formula 1's safety and medical cars for the entire 2026 season. The German marque will supply these critical safety assets for every Grand Prix on the calendar, as well as the pre-season testing programme in Bahrain, cementing its role as an indispensable partner in the sport's operational infrastructure.

The confirmation arrives following Aston Martin's decision to conclude its shared safety car arrangement with Mercedes at the end of the 2025 season. This development marks a significant shift in the safety car landscape, with Mercedes resuming the full responsibility it held before the British manufacturer joined the programme in 2021.

"Safety is an absolutely central value of our brand and our products," stated Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. "That is why we have been providing the Official FIA F1 Safety and Medical Car in Formula 1 since 1996. From the 2026 season onwards, the FIA F1 Official Cars will once again bear the star at all F1 events."

Celebrating three decades of partnership

The 2026 season carries exceptional historical significance for both Mercedes and Formula 1. The manufacturer will celebrate its 30th anniversary as the sport's safety car provider, a relationship that commenced at the 1996 French Grand Prix. This three-decade partnership represents one of the longest-standing operational commitments in motorsport history.

Throughout this period, Mercedes has demonstrated unwavering commitment to enhancing safety protocols across Formula 1 and its supporting series. The brand's technical expertise and vehicle reliability have proven instrumental in managing incidents, deploying medical personnel, and maintaining competitive integrity during race weekends.

Bernd Mayländer's Historic Milestone

Another landmark moment awaits at the 2026 season-opener in Melbourne. Safety car driver Bernd Mayländer, who has served in this prestigious role since 2000, will reach his 500th Grand Prix behind the wheel of the safety car. Mayländer has become an iconic figure in Formula 1, and this achievement underscores the dedication required to maintain consistency and professionalism in one of motorsport's most critical positions.

Technical specifications and vehicle lineup

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series continues its role as the official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car, while the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ serves as the Medical Car. Both vehicles have been deployed in these capacities since 2022, proving their capability to handle the demanding requirements of the sport's highest level.

Beyond Formula 1, these vehicles perform identical safety functions across Formula 2, Formula 3, and other junior racing series, ensuring uniform safety standards throughout the paddock. Mercedes-AMG technical teams based in Affalterbach provide comprehensive maintenance and support between events, guaranteeing optimal performance at every venue.

Looking ahead to 2026

The 2026 season commences with pre-season testing in Bahrain scheduled for February 11-13 and 18-20, with the first Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 6-8. Mercedes enters this championship as the unified safety operations partner, carrying both the responsibility and privilege of stewarding competitor and spectator safety across all 24 races.

The exclusive partnership reinforces Mercedes-AMG's philosophy that Formula 1 represents the ultimate proving ground for performance, reliability, and safety innovations. By maintaining this responsibility alone, the three-pointed star ensures consistency and excellence in one of motorsport's most vital functions—ultimately serving the sport's greatest asset: the safety of all participants and personnel.