Mercedes F1 Safety Car to Run Special Anniversary Livery at Hungarian GP

Mercedes is marking three decades as Formula 1's official safety car provider by rolling out a special one-off livery on its AMG GT Black Series for the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The commemorative design swaps the familiar all-red finish for a striking red-and-black combination, with black dominating the front section and bonnet. A prominent white "30" emblem adorns the base of the windscreen and doors to honor the milestone that dates back to the manufacturer's debut in the role at the 1996 French Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

The safety car has become an iconic fixture of modern Formula 1, and Mercedes' uninterrupted three-decade partnership underscores its deep-rooted commitment to the championship. This livery change is more than a fresh coat of paint; it represents the evolution of safety standards and the manufacturer's enduring technical presence at the pinnacle of motorsport.

The details:

• Anniversary design: The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series features a bespoke red-and-black graphic scheme, a noticeable departure from its standard all-red appearance seen at every race.
• Tribute markings: A white "30" emblem is displayed prominently at the base of the windscreen and on both doors to commemorate 30 years of continuous service since the 1996 French Grand Prix.
• Historic gathering: A special photoshoot took place on the Hungaroring's main straight, bringing together several generations of Mercedes safety cars from the past 30 years.
• Driver involvement: Current Mercedes works drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both participated in the celebration, posing alongside the historic vehicles to mark the occasion.
• Weekend weather: The final race before the summer break is forecast to be dry and increasingly hot, with temperatures climbing from 24°C on Friday to a peak of 31°C on Sunday, while rain chances remain minimal.

What's next:

With temperatures expected to hit 31°C on race day, teams will face a tough challenge managing tire degradation and power unit cooling at the tight, twisty Hungaroring. As the final event before the summer break, the Hungarian Grand Prix offers teams one last opportunity to build momentum and secure valuable championship points heading into the mid-season shutdown.