Fans of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship will be familiar with the Mercedes-AMG GT R safety car which, for the last 20 years has been driven by the same man, Bernd Mayländer. The safety car with its silver and black livery has been used in all Formula 1 races for the last 25 years whenever the weather conditions on track are bad or there has been an accident but this year the livery has had an update.
For the 2020 season, the car will prominently support the Formula 1 campaign “#WeRaceAsOne” by featuring its rainbow key visual on the flanks and on the bonnet of the car. The eye-catching design symbolizes the sports commitment for diversity and inclusion.
The statement “Drive Safely” is also emblazoned on the bonnet of the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, in an attempt to remind fans watching at home to always drive in a careful and considerate way. Along with that, the hashtag #PurposeDriven has been placed on the roof and tailgate of the car to promote the FIA’s (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) commitment to safety, sustainability, gender equality and diversity, and points out the FIA Action for Road Safety.
Underneath the bonnet the Official FIA F1 Safety Car remains unchanged. The front-mid engine concept with transaxle gearbox, the powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the intricately designed chassis and sophisticated active aerodynamics. Additional features include the AMG Track Package with roll-over protection system and the ceramic high-performance composite brake system. The FIA requirements for the Official FIA F1 Safety Car are very strict. It must be able to maintain a high minimum speed so that the tires and brakes of the Formula 1 cars do not lose too much temperature and the engines do not overheat. With a top speed of 318 km/h and 3.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, this is an easy task for the AMG GT R.
In addition to the Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate, the official FIA F1 Medical Car will also sport the new design.
Formula 1 returns to racing this weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria and the FIA will use this opportunity to thank people all over the world for their strength and resilience in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic. The rainbow visuals and the hashtag #WeRaceAsOne will feature on all Formula 1 cars and around the race track.
