F1 is set to split safety car duties

Ahead of the 2021 F1 season, the first pictures of the Aston Martin safety car have emerged as the British luxury car manufacturer is set to provide the sport with its Vantage model.

The sport is expected to split the safety car duties between Mercedes and Aston Martin from the upcoming 2021 F1 season. The German manufacturer has served as the exclusive F1 safety car provider since 1996. While it used its Mercedes-AMG C36 at the beginning, it is currently using a Mercedes-AMG GT R.

The car, which replaced the AMG GT S, made its debut at the start of the 2018 season.

The AMG GT R is the quickest Safety Car in the sport's history so far, with the top-of-the-line model's 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine producing 585hp and powering it to a top speed of 318km/h. The car is driver by Bernd Maylander.

The medical car is also a Mercedes-Benz model. The AMG C 63 S Estate is driven by Alan van der Merwe with deputy medical delegate Dr Ian Roberts being his co-driver.

The sport is now expected to add the Aston Martin marque to its safety car field. The iconic luxury British sports car manufacturer is due to make its return to the sport as a works team after 61 years away from the sport.

Mercedes has recently increased its stake in Aston Martin to 20 per cent and the two car manufacturers are set to share the safety car duties from 2021. The first images have emerged of the Aston Martin Vantage and DBX.

The sport is yet to make an official announcement regarding the details of its safety car plans.