There will be no Aston Martin Safety Cars for the 2026 F1 season after the automaker chose not to renew its deal with Formula 1, paving the way for Mercedes to resume its role as exclusive supplier.
This development marks the conclusion of a five-year partnership that began in 2021 and saw the British marque’s high-performance Vantage models sharing duties with Mercedes AMG GT Black Series across the global calendar.
As Formula 1 gears up for sweeping regulatory changes in 2026, including lighter, more agile cars with active aerodynamics and sustainable power units, the shift back to a single supplier underscores evolving commercial strategies and the enduring legacy of safety protocols in the pinnacle of motorsport.
The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for Aston Martin, whose return to the F1 grid as a constructor in 2021 coincided with its entry into the safety car role, amplifying brand visibility during a period of ambitious expansion.
“Aston Martin’s agreement with Formula 1 to provide the Official F1 Safety Car and Medical Car concluded at the end of the 2025 season,” a statement from the automaker read.
“Having amplified the brand’s return to F1, we are grateful for the association and success of holding this critical role on the grid for the past five years.”
For five seasons the specially modified Vantage powered by a Mercedes 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing up to 680 PS and 800 Nm of torque, demonstrated blistering acceleration from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed exceeding 200 mph, ensuring it could keep pace with the sport’s elite machinery.
However, Aston Martin Safety Car came under fire just after it was first introduced, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen famously calling it a “turtle” during the 2022 Australian Grand Prix.
“The Safety Car was driving so slow, it was like a turtle,” Verstappen said. “Unbelievable. With that car, to drive 140 on the back straight, where there’s not a damaged car anymore, I don’t understand why we have to drive so slow.
“We have to investigate. For sure, the Mercedes Safety Car is faster because of the extra aero, the Aston Martin is really slow.”
Mercedes now steps fully into the spotlight once more as the exclusive supplier of both the F1 Safety Car and Medical Car for all 24 races in 2026.
The Mercedes AMG GT Black Series, renowned for its 720-hp output, Nürburgring lap record of 6:48, and innovative LED lighting integrated into the windscreen and rear spoiler to preserve aerodynamics, has long set the benchmark for these vital roles.
Driver Bernd Mayländer, who has piloted the Mercedes Safety Car since 1996, will exclusively helm the machine, bringing decades of experience to manage high-stakes deployments amid the new era’s anticipated closer racing and increased overtaking opportunities.
This consolidation could streamline logistics for F1’s traveling circus, reducing the need to rotate vehicles and support crews between two manufacturers, potentially enhancing operational efficiency as the championship expands its footprint.
READ MORE:
Aston Martin’s Honda 2026 F1 power unit unveiled with key elements blurred out
Key 2026 F1 regulations changes explained: Comprehensive guide to Formula 1’s new era
