The new Aston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car is ready to make its debut at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend. The car has received a significant upgrade in performance, making it the fastest of its kind.
What’s new in the Vantage F1 Safety Car?
The Vantage F1 Safety Car is based on the recently launched road-going Vantage, which is a pure performance sports car with a hand-built 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine. The car has been specially equipped for its role in Formula 1, with a number of features that set it apart from the standard model. These include:
- A 30% increase in power, from 503 hp to 656 hp, making it the most powerful Vantage ever
- A bespoke aerodynamic kit, with a front splitter, a rear wing, and a modified underfloor for improved airflow and stability
- A roof-mounted light bar, reshaped for better aerodynamics
- A pair of Recaro Pole Position bucket seats with racing harnesses for the driver and the passenger
- A redesigned center console, with buttons for the FIA systems and screens for displaying track information, lap times, and rearview camera feed
- A Lime Essence trim, exclusive to the Vantage F1 Safety Car, that matches the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team AMR24’s livery
Why is the Vantage F1 Safety Car important?
The Vantage F1 Safety Car plays a vital role in Formula 1, as it leads the 20 F1 cars on the formation lap and intervenes when needed to control the pace of the race. The car needs to be fast, agile, and reliable, as well as visually appealing and representative of the brand.
Aston Martin is one of the two official suppliers of F1 Safety Cars, along with Mercedes-Benz, since 2021. The Vantage F1 Safety Car alternates with the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, while the DBX707 F1 Medical Car alternates with the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Four-Door Coupe.
The Vantage F1 Safety Car is a symbol of Aston Martin’s innovation and excellence in the field of motorsport, as well as its long and rich history in Formula 1. The car showcases the brand’s DNA and reflects its most dynamic period in its 111-year history.
How does the Vantage F1 Safety Car compare to its predecessor?
The previous Vantage F1 Safety Car, which was introduced in 2021, was criticized by some drivers for being too slow and sluggish. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, famously called it “slow as a turtle” after the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix.
The new Vantage F1 Safety Car addresses this issue by delivering a massive boost in power and performance. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 314 km/h. It also has improved handling and stability, thanks to its aerodynamic enhancements and chassis tuning.
The new Vantage F1 Safety Car is not only faster than its predecessor, but also faster than the road-going Vantage, which has 503 hp and a top speed of 306 km/h. However, it is still slightly slower than the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which has 720 hp and a top speed of 325 km/h.
What are the reactions to the Vantage F1 Safety Car?
The Vantage F1 Safety Car has received positive feedback from both Aston Martin and Formula 1 officials and personalities. Here are some of their comments:
- Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin: “Vantage is the very essence of the Aston Martin brand, so to see the fastest, most driver-focused Vantage yet play such an important role in the prestigious FIA Formula One World Championship™ is a source of great pride for us.”
- Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car Driver: “It is a pleasure to drive the Aston Martin Vantage. The car comes from an incredible bloodline and this newest version is the fastest yet. My first impressions were very positive as I could immediately feel the improvement in handling and, of course, power.”
- Ross Brawn, Managing Director of Motorsport at Formula 1: “We are delighted to welcome the new Aston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car to the Formula 1 family. The car is a stunning piece of engineering and a worthy successor to the previous model. We look forward to seeing it in action at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and beyond.”
