Starting in 2026, Mercedes will assume exclusive responsibility for supplying both the Formula 1 safety vehicle and medical vehicle, following Aston Martin’s choice not to extend their current agreement.
Since 2021, Aston Martin and Mercedes have jointly provided course vehicles for F1 events; Mercedes contributed an AMG GT Black Series, while Aston Martin offered the Vantage F1 edition as the designated safety cars.
Nevertheless, Aston Martin’s contractual arrangement concludes after the 2025 season, and the manufacturer has opted not to extend the terms of this partnership.
The Vantage F1 edition, which Aston Martin has supplied since 2024, featured an AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 656 horsepower, representing an improvement from an earlier, weaker version that drivers had reportedly criticized for its insufficient capabilities.
Additionally, Aston provided a 697-horsepower iteration of its opulent DBX707 SUV to serve as the F1 medical vehicle.
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images
In a release issued to Autosport, the UK-based car manufacturer verified the termination of its contract for supplying F1 safety vehicles.
“Aston Martin’s contract with Formula 1 for the provision of the official FIA safety and medical vehicles will cease at the close of the 2025 season,” stated the car company. “We appreciate the partnership and the achievement of fulfilling this essential function on the track for the last half-decade, which has boosted the brand’s re-entry into F1.”
As Aston Martin will no longer furnish either vehicle to Formula 1, it is anticipated that Mercedes will supply its 730-horsepower AMG GT Black Series for all 24 events of the 2026 calendar, alongside its medical vehicle derived from the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+.
Former German racing driver Bernd Maylander has held the position of the FIA’s safety car operator since the year 2000.
