Aston Martin has become a new safety and medical car supplier for the 2021 Formula 1 season, and will alternate with Mercedes throughout the upcoming campaign.
Having been the sole supplier of F1 safety and medical cars since 1996, Mercedes will continue run the AMG GT R safety car and Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate medical car in 2021.
However the new deal sees Aston Martin join with the Vantage as a new safety car and the DBX as the medical car, to be used in a rotating schedule.
Gallery: Check out every angle of Formula 1s new Safety and Medical cars
The Aston Martin selection will make its debut at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix later this month, before the Mercedes returns for duties at Imola.
Mercedes’ safety and medical cars will also adopt a new red colour scheme this year, “enhancing visibility while also representing Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team partner CrowdStrike”.
Bernd Maylander and Alan van der Merwe will continue to drive the safety and medical cars respectively at each weekend.
“We are very pleased to announce our new partnership with both Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG to provide the Official Safety and Medical Cars to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG are iconic automotive brands, and we are proud of their place in our incredible sport.
“The safety and medical cars are a hugely important part Formula 1 and are always there to keep our drivers safe.
“Last season we witnessed the heroic speed and dedication required by the crews in rescuing Romain Grosjean from his dramatic accident, and both the Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG cars are perfectly equipped to respond at a moment’s notice to ensure the safety of the drivers.”
Aston Martin’s safety and medical car introduction coincides with the British manufacturer’s return as a Constructor in the F1 World Championship.
