Things to know about the all-new Mercedes safety car

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a brand-new Formula 1 Safety Car that will make its race debut at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in the manufacturer's long-standing partnership with the FIA.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ replaces the AMG GT Black Series, which has served as Formula 1's Safety Car since 2022, and arrives with a special anniversary livery celebrating 30 years of Mercedes Safety Cars in the championship.

The Hungarian Grand Prix is a fitting venue for the debut. Mercedes has been supplying Formula 1 Safety Cars since the 1996 French Grand Prix, and the new model becomes the 14th official Mercedes Safety Car to carry the famous three-pointed star.

The outgoing AMG GT Black Series completed 51 race interventions during its four-year tenure before being retired.

Under the bonnet sits Mercedes-AMG's familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, producing 612 horsepower (450 kW) and 850 Nm of torque. While outright performance has never been an issue for Formula 1 Safety Cars, Mercedes has focused on improving stability, traction and consistency in all weather conditions.

The biggest technical change is the introduction of AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive—the first time an official Formula 1 Safety Car has featured an all-wheel-drive system.

The additional traction is expected to provide greater confidence during wet races, helping the car maintain the high speeds needed to keep Formula 1 tyres and brakes within their operating windows.

Mercedes has also equipped the car with several performance-focused upgrades, including:

Revised front splitter and aerodynamic dive planes
Modified rear wing with an active flap
AMG ceramic composite brakes
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission
Enhanced cooling systems for sustained circuit running

Together, these changes improve high-speed stability while allowing the Safety Car to perform consistently during prolonged deployments.

Improved signalling technology
One of the most noticeable features of the new Safety Car is its redesigned lighting system.

Rather than relying solely on a roof-mounted light bar, Mercedes has integrated LED signalling into the rear wing, while additional warning lights are built into both the headlights and taillights. This provides improved visibility for drivers following the Safety Car, particularly in poor weather.

As before, orange lights indicate that overtaking is prohibited, while green lights signal that drivers may pass the Safety Car to unlap themselves or resume racing procedures.

A special anniversary livery
For its first appearance at the Hungaroring, the AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ will wear a unique black and red commemorative livery celebrating Mercedes' three decades as Formula 1's Safety Car supplier.

Large "30" graphics feature prominently on the bodywork, including the bonnet, roof and rear wing, highlighting the anniversary. The special design will make the Hungarian Grand Prix debut particularly memorable before the car adopts its standard appearance later in the season.

Mayländer eager to get behind the wheel
Veteran Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer, who has become synonymous with the role over the past quarter-century, is looking forward to putting the new machine through its paces.

"The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ merges the highest safety standards with impressive sportiness and driving pleasure," Mayländer said during the launch.

He highlighted the benefits of the new all-wheel-drive system, praising its traction, cornering ability and acceleration ahead of its first competitive outing in Hungary.