Summary:
The Formula 1 Safety Car plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of drivers, track workers, and spectators while maintaining the flow of races worldwide. It is deployed during hazardous situations, whether due to incidents or unsafe conditions. The concept began in Canada in 1973, but it wasn’t until 1993 that the role was standardized. This was after early confusion in finishes. Since the early 2000s, Mercedes-Benz AMG models have been the designated Safety Cars, with Bernd Mayländer serving as the official driver since 2000.
Notably, during the first lap of each race, a Medical Car, also from Mercedes, follows the field to assess injuries and provide transport when necessary. Over the years, several iconic models have served as Safety Cars. Judges made selections based on their performance and impact on the sport.
The first-ever Safety Car, a 1973 Porsche 914, set the stage for future models. Others include the 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo, the Lamborghini Countach LP500S from the early ’80s, and the 1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, which was notable for its rally prowess. The Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG marked a series of firsts as the first official Safety Car since the role’s inception. More recently, the Mercedes-AMG GT R served as the fastest Safety Car. It showcased high performance with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds.
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