New AMG F1 Safety and Medical Cars Debut for the 2022 Season
Mercedes-AMG cars deliver speed and style in addition to safety in F1.
Two new Mercedes-AMG F1 safety cars will be on hand when the 2022 Formula One season kicks off in Bahrain. No stranger to the track, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series debuts as the Official F1 Safety Car. And a new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ replaces the 2015 C63 S Estate as the F1 Medical Car.
“There was absolutely no question that, after more than 25 years, we would extend our commitment as the provider of the safety car and medical car – with two absolutely outstanding vehicles from our line-up”, explained Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Bernd Maylander, who drives the AMG GT Safety Car said, “I’m simply blown away by how close it is to a thoroughbred race car. 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.”
Both cars retain their stock configuration but include the equipment needed for their specific roles. Signaling and warning lights are incorporated into the windshield and spoiler of the AMG GT and on the roof of the 63 S. Radio communication links both cars and track officials. Additionally, the Medical Car receives real-time telemetry from the race cars and vital signs for each driver.
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Official F1 Safety Car
The AMG GT Black Series replaces last year’s GT-R. Powered by a biturbo V8 producing 730 hp, the specs include a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, adjustable suspension, and active aerodynamics. Pirelli P Zero tires and ceramic composite brakes provide race car levels of grip and stopping power. And the optional Track Package adds a safety cage and lightweight seats. Inside, minor differences like a switch panel mounted in front of the headliner separate the Safety Car from a stock AMG GT.
Fast lap times are all in a day’s work for the Safety Car when it leads the F1 cars around the track. This role requires high speeds to prevent the F1 cars from overheating and keeping their tires and brakes warm. The Mercedes-AMG GT is more than up for the job with 0 to 60 mph times of 3.2 seconds a top speed of over 200 mph.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ Official F1 Medical Car
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ takes over the medical car role from the C 63 S AMG Wagon. Powered by a 639 hp 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, the GT 63 S accelerates to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and tops out at 195 mph. AMG’s Ride Control suspension and ceramic brakes handle cornering and stopping. As with the Safety Car, the Medical Car is the same as a GT 63 S you can buy at a dealer.
The Medical Car carries Dr. Ian Roberts, FIA’s Medical Rescue Coordinator, two additional medics, and their equipment. It follows the field during the first lap and waits on standby with the Safety Car during the race. If an incident occurs, the Medical Car needs to reach the accident site as quickly as possible so the medical team can administer aid. Offering similar performance as the AMG GT, the GT 63 S 4MATIC proves more than capable at this role.
Distinctive red paintwork returns
Both cars retain their distinctive red paintwork, introduced last year. The color not only matches Mercedes-AMG’s racing heritage but also CrowdStrike, which continues their sponsorship. In addition to the sponsorship, both cars wear the FIA Formula One World Championship emblems and AMG logos. Aerodynamic elements and the lower portion of the bodywork are black. And the overall look is rounded off by black AMG alloy wheels edged in red.
Just like last year, Mercedes-AMG shares the safety and medical responsibilities with Aston Martin. Both brands maintain a technical partnership, which includes Mercedes-AMG supplying the Aston Martin with its eight-cylinder biturbo engines.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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