Mercedes Unveils New AMG GT 63 PRO Safety Car to Mark 30 Years in F1

Mercedes has revealed the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, its newest Formula 1 safety car, which will make its debut at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. The unveiling marks three decades since the manufacturer first supplied an official safety car to the championship. The GT 63 PRO is the first F1 safety car equipped with variable all-wheel drive, powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 612bhp.

Why it matters:

As the 14th official safety car Mercedes-Benz has provided, the GT 63 PRO represents a notable technical evolution for a role that demands high pace. With modern F1 cars pushing ever faster, the safety car must maintain sufficient speed to keep field temperatures in check, making its stability and performance vital to smooth race operations.

The details:

• Power and drivetrain: The 4.0-litre biturbo V8 generates 612bhp, 850Nm of torque and 450kW of output, sent through the first variable all-wheel-drive system ever fitted to an official F1 safety car.
• Aerodynamics: A new front splitter, modified rear wing with an active flap and front dive planes work together to increase front-axle downforce and improve stability in high-speed corners.
• Safety equipment: The machine carries FIA-specific radio, GPS and camera systems, alongside a full roll cage, six-point harness and racing bucket seats. It rides on ultra-high-performance Pirelli P Zero tyres.
• Driver feedback: Bernd Maylander praised the car's agile handling and direct response, noting the all-wheel-drive traction is especially evident when cornering and accelerating out of bends.

What's next:

Maylander will get his first taste of the AMG GT 63 PRO in live race conditions this weekend at the Hungaroring. The debut will serve as a practical test of whether its enhanced aerodynamics and all-wheel-drive grip can comfortably lead the current generation of F1 machinery around one of the calendar's more technical circuits.