NEW F1 SAFETY CAR GOES WITHOUT LIGHTBAR

Mercedes-AMG has taken the covers off its new emergency vehicles for the 2022 Formula 1 season, unveiling a Safety Car that does away with the traditional roof-mounted lightbar.

The 2022 Safety Car will be the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, replacing 2021’s Mercedes-AMG GT R, modified for special use on F1 circuits around the globe.

The GT Black Series produces 544kW and accelerates to 100km/h in 3.2s, with a top speed of over 320km/h.

In place of a roof-mounted lightbar, the new Safety Car is fitted with light signalling in the windscreen and rear-facing lights in the rear spoiler.

The AMG Medical Car is the brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, replacing the C 63 S AMG Estate.

The four-wheel-drive Medical Car is equipped to transport three medics and their life-saving gear.

Just as quick to 100km/h as the Safety Car, the Medical Car can also reach speeds of over 310km/h.

Both cars will debut at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix from March 18-20.

Bernd Maylander, who has been driving the FIA Formula 1 Official Safety Car since 2000, was impressed by the performance of the new machine.

“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,” Maylander said.

“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.”

Aston Martin will also supply emergency cars in 2022, its Vantage Safety Car and DBX Medical Car taking the reins for the 2022 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.

“It is a continuing source of pride for myself and the whole company to see our cars playing a crucial role in Formula 1,” Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers said.

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