Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Unveiled as New Formula 1 Safety Car

Mercedes-AMG has pulled the wrap off its latest weapon designated for official F1 safety duties. Making its official debut this weekend at the Hungaroring, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ has stepped up as the new Official FIA F1 Safety Car.

The introduction marks the 14th safety car to carry the three-pointed star, celebrating a 30-year partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Formula 1 that dates back to 1996. The new twin-turbo V8 coupe replaces the hard-core Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which served in the role since 2022.

A Historic All-Wheel-Drive First

While previous AMG safety cars sent their power exclusively to the rear wheels, the new GT 63 PRO introduces a significant mechanical milestone to the grid. For the first time in F1 history, the safety car features a fully variable all-wheel-drive system (AMG Performance 4MATIC+), ensuring maximum traction and power delivery for driver Bernd Mayländer in both dry and torrential wet weather conditions.

Core Powertrain Specs:

• Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
• Output: 612 horsepower (450 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque
• Transmission: AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic
• Braking: Standard AMG High-Performance Ceramic Composite brakes

Wind-Tunnel Tailored Aerodynamics and Lighting

To maintain the high cornering speeds required to keep Formula 1 car tires and brakes from dropping out of their optimal operating temperature windows, the factory car underwent a specialized aerodynamic overhaul.

Instead of mounting a bulky, drag-inducing light bar directly onto the roof panel, AMG engineers integrated the mandatory LED signaling lights directly into the profile of the rear wing structure. The front air dams feature track-derived dive planes and an extended front splitter to pin the front axle to the tarmac through high-speed sweepers. Suspension duties are managed via the AMG Active Ride Control setup, featuring hydraulic active roll stabilization to keep the chassis flat under heavy cornering loads.

Cabin Overhaul and FIA Communication Tech

The interior has been stripped of its standard luxury trimmings, replaced by a fully functional mobile race-control cockpit. The rear storage area houses a rigid steel roll cage, while the driver and co-driver are secured into carbon-fiber Recaro racing bucket seats utilizing six-point safety harnesses.

The glass windows have been swapped for lightweight Makrolon polycarbonate glazing, and an inboard safety fuel tank has been fitted beneath the rear floorboard.

Two modified production examples of the GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ will be stationed on standby in the pit lane at every global Grand Prix weekend, ready to deploy the moment race control calls a neutralization.

This article was written using AI and was then edited and optimized by our editorial team.