Formula 1 has officially presented the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ safety car, which will be used for the first time at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. Mercedes unveiled the vehicle on Thursday at the Hungaroring, ahead of the race.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ will become F1's 14th official safety car to carry Mercedes' three-pointed star as part of a collaboration that spans 30 years. It is the first safety car in F1 history to feature variable all-wheel drive, providing optimum traction in both dry and wet conditions.
The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine delivers 450 kW (612 hp) and a maximum torque of 850 Nm. Safety car driver Bernd Maylander praised the new vehicle's dynamic capabilities: "The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, as the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, combines the highest levels of safety with impressive sportiness and driving pleasure."
"Its agile and direct response to driver inputs is spot on. It is the first safety car with all-wheel drive. This provides optimum traction, which is particularly noticeable when combined with all the other technical features," Maylander added. "It really comes into its own when cornering and accelerating. It is an exceptional road car. I am now looking forward to driving the new safety car for the first time under real-world conditions in Hungary."
The vehicle was presented with a striking black and red livery design. Simon Wilbers, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, highlighted the importance of the tradition: "For 30 years, Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have taken on a special responsibility in Formula 1 by providing the safety cars. For us, it is both an honour and a challenge to continue this long-standing tradition with a car that raises our own standards yet again."
"The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ combines outstanding performance with precision, control, and safety – making it the ideal choice both as the Official FIA F1 Safety Car and as an exceptional road car," Wilbers concluded.
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