30 Years Leading the Pack: Every Mercedes-AMG F1 Safety Car Since 1996 (Photos)

Earlier today, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ made its official debut at the Formula 1 AWS Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest, replacing the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series as the official FIA F1 Safety Car.

The high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ will serve as the 14th official FIA F1 Safety Car to bear the three-pointed star. For 30 years, Mercedes cars have proudly served as the FIA Formula 1 Safety Car.

The safety car, driven by a professional driver—currently Bernd Mayländer—is deployed to slow down competing F1 cars during a caution period, such as during bad weather or when there is an obstruction on the track.

• See Also : F1 Safety Car: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro 4MATIC+ Replaces Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

C 36 AMG (W202)

CLK 55 AMG (C208)

CL 55 AMG

SL 55 AMG

To mark its debut at the Formula 1 AWS Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is throwing back to the iconic Safety Cars the German marque has produced throughout the years.

The Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG (W202) began the F1 safety car role in 1996, while the CLK 55 AMG (C208) was in charge between 1997 and 1999. Safety cars in the 2000s era included the CL 55 AMG (2000–2001), SL 55 AMG (2001–2002), and an updated CLK 55 AMG (2003).

CLK 55 AMG

SLK 55 AMG

CLK 63 AMG

SL 63 AMG

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz deployed the SLK 55 AMG (2004–05), CLK 63 AMG (2006–07), SL 63 AMG (2007–09), SLS AMG (2010–12), SLS AMG GT (2012–14), AMG GT S (2015–17), and the AMG GT R (2018–21), while the AMG GT Black Series reigned between 2022 and June 2026.

Making its debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the modified Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Safety Car features a special livery celebrating 30 years of Mercedes-AMG in Formula 1.

SLS AMG

SLS AMG GT

AMG GT S

AMG GT R

AMG GT Black Series

Distinct features of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ includes signaling system at the rear wing, LED signal lights in the front section, as well as in the front and rear lights—all fitted to increase visibility during racing.

Powering the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ is a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, which delivers 450 kW (612 hp) and a maximum torque of 850 Nm. This power is transmitted via the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission.

• See Also : Mercedes-AMG Marks 30 Years Of Providing Official Safety And Medical Cars At Formula 1 Races