Discover how the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series leads the 2026 Formula 1 grid as the official safety car, with the GT 63 S serving as the medical car. Learn more now!
The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off on March 8, and Mercedes‑Benz is once again at the heart of the action. The German automaker will supply both the official safety car and the medical car, keeping its long‑standing partnership with the world’s premier motorsport championship.
Mercedes Returns as F1 Safety Car Provider
After debuting the second‑generation Black Series in 2023, Mercedes‑AMG GT Black Series resumes its role as the lead safety vehicle—a position it first occupied in the 2022 season. Alongside it, the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ has been specially prepared to serve as the on‑track medical car.
A 30‑Year Legacy of Safety Cars
This year marks three decades since Mercedes‑Benz introduced its first safety car, the C 36 AMG, to Formula 1. The milestone was celebrated at the 2025 Austin Grand Prix, which featured the 500th deployment of a Mercedes safety vehicle in the sport.
Mercedes‑AMG GT Black Series: Power Meets Safety
The Black Series is powered by a 4.0‑litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 730 hp and 800 Nm of torque. Mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed dual‑clutch transmission, the car rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h. It represents the most potent version of the first‑generation AMG GT line before that model’s production ended in 2023.
Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+: The Mobile Medical Unit
Optimized for rapid response, the GT 63 S 4MATIC+ retains its four‑door coupe silhouette while offering an expanded interior for medical equipment. Under the hood sits a 4.0‑litre V8 biturbo delivering 585 hp and 800 Nm of torque, providing the blend of performance and reliability essential for a race‑track medical car.
Fleet Overview and Multi‑Series Presence
For the 2026 campaign, Mercedes will field three safety cars and two medical cars. These vehicles are not limited to Formula 1; they also appear in Formula 2, Formula 3, the Porsche Supercup, and the Ferrari Challenge, underscoring Mercedes’ commitment to safety across the entire motorsport ladder.
As the season unfolds, fans will witness the iconic roar of the AMG GT Black Series leading the pack and the swift precision of the GT 63 S ensuring driver safety. Stay tuned for more updates on Mercedes’ role in shaping the future of racing safety.