At each Grand Prix, the FIA has two models of safety cars and medical cars (an emergency vehicle is therefore planned).
When Aston takes over from Mercedes, one weekend out of two on average, the touring cars thus mobilized are two Aston Vantages and two DBXs for the medical car.
The safety car is of course the vehicle best known to F1 fans. In 2024, Bernd Mayländer, the driver of the “SC” for a quarter of a century, has a real racing car in his hands: with its 665 horsepower and a torque of 800 Nm, the Aston can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
Figures certainly well below F1… but essential in terms of safety, where every second can count.
“It’s fantastic – it’s a true partnership,” Mayländer was able to explain to FOM about his collaboration with Aston Martin.
“The cars are incredible, and the brand has a rich history. »
“Aston Martin has done an excellent job,” he continues.
“Especially in the first year, when they had to learn how to design a safety car to meet FIA requirements. The new Vantage is even sportier. Everything has evolved: design, suspension, brakes, engine. It's a fantastic car. »
Official safety car driver since 2000, Mayländer gained the position thanks to the late Charlie Whiting, then FIA racing director.
“Charlie asked me: 'Bernd, do you want to drive the safety car?' I said, “Okay, I think I know how to drive.” But I had to learn the rest, because it has nothing to do with a classic race. Here, we never win and we never cross the finish line. Sometimes you're not even allowed to go fast, and that's where you have to adapt. »
Contrary to appearances, therefore, while drivers often complain about the slowness of the safety car, Mayländer is often at 99% of the limits of his car!
“You have to know how to drive at the limit,” he adds.
“But that’s not the most important thing. The most crucial thing is to provide the right information to race management so that they can make the right decisions. »
Like the others, the safety car driver is also entitled to free practice: for him, it's Thursday!
“You start like a classic first free practice session,” he said. “You adjust the tire pressures and find the perfect balance of the car. »
“You need to be comfortable in the car to stay focused on what’s going on around you. Your limit should always be below 100%, because you have nothing to gain, just do your job well and still profit. »
When he started, Bernd had just a radio and flashing lights. Today, the Vantage has two radios, two TV screens and a built-in GPS that maps the cars' positions.
“You can even see the force of the impacts,” he specifies. “It's not essential for the safety car, but it is for the medical car, where the doctors are. We use all this equipment in F1, F2 and F3. »
“Radio is still the most important element,”
“We have two systems, a main and a backup. And if you see something on the screens or on the track, you can complete the information. »
In this second half of the season, Mayländer has often remained on the sidelines since the safety car is becoming increasingly rare in F1. This is of course good news for security. But he still continues to love his work.
” Absolutely ! »
“When I’m in the green car, I feel a bit like James Bond. »
