Starting with the Hungarian Grand Prix, the FIA Formula One World Championship will deploy a brand-new official Safety Car, according to an announcement by Mercedes. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ takes over pace-car duties, replacing the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series that has led the grand prix grid since 2022.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+: Technical Specifications
The newly appointed Formula 1 Safety Car brings substantial performance upgrades to the track during caution periods. Under the bonnet lies a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, delivering an output of 450 kW (612 hp) and a maximum torque of 850 Nm, based on data released by Mercedes.
Power delivery is managed through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission. To handle the immense demands of leading Formula 1 cars at low speeds while maintaining high thermal thresholds, the vehicle is equipped with a standard AMG High Performance Ceramic Composite Brake System. According to manufacturer specifications, this setup ensures consistent and precise braking performance even under extreme track loads.
Did you know? The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ marks the first time in FIA F1 Safety Car history that a fully variable all-wheel-drive system has been utilized on track for this role.
First All-Wheel-Drive F1 Safety Car in History
A major technical milestone for the sport’s official supplier is the inclusion of the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. This technology provides optimal traction on both dry and wet racing surfaces, a crucial factor when leading a field of modern grand prix cars in adverse weather conditions.
Official Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer highlighted the handling advantages of the new platform. “Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ as the official Safety Car FIA F1® v sobě spojuje nejvyšší úroveň bezpečnosti s působivou sportovností a radostí z jízdy,” Mayländer said, as quoted by Mercedes. He noted that the agile and direct response to driver inputs is paired with an all-wheel-drive system that particularly stands out during cornering and acceleration.
Evolution of the F1 Safety Car Fleet
Mercedes has supplied official Safety Cars to Formula 1 since 2026, occasionally sharing responsibilities with Aston Martin in recent seasons. However, Mercedes remains the exclusive provider for the current championship year, according to team data.
The outgoing Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series last saw active deployment during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps following an early-race collision between George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Mayländer will pilot the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ for its on-track debut at the Hungaroring.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Mercedes Safety Car debut in F1?
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ makes its official on-track debut starting from the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, according to Mercedes.
What engine powers the new F1 Safety Car?
Has an F1 Safety Car ever used all-wheel drive before?
No. According to Mercedes and driver Bernd Mayländer, this is the first time in the history of the FIA F1 Safety Car that a fully variable all-wheel-drive system (AMG Performance 4MATIC+) has been implemented.
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