The agreement covers every race weekend on the calendar, as well as pre-season testing in Bahrain. The news was widely expected after Aston Martin confirmed that its shared contract with Mercedes would end at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

From 2026 onwards, all official FIA Safety Cars and Medical Cars used in Formula 1 will once again be supplied exclusively by Mercedes-AMG. This means the Mercedes star will be visible at every event throughout the year, marking a return to full responsibility for the programme after recent shared arrangements. The move underlines Mercedes’ long-standing involvement in one of the most important areas of the sport.

The timing of the announcement is significant, as 2026 will be a milestone season for the manufacturer. It will mark 30 years since Mercedes first appeared as the official safety car provider in Formula 1, which happened at the 1996 French Grand Prix. Since then, the brand has played a continuous role in F1 safety operations, becoming a familiar and trusted presence during race weekends.

Mercedes has used a wide range of models in this role over the years, reflecting the development of its performance cars and safety technology. Since 2022, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has served as the official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car, alongside the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ as the Medical Car. These vehicles are also used in Formula 2, Formula 3 and other support series, helping to ensure consistent safety standards across the paddock.

Another key moment in 2026 will be reached by Bernd Mayländer, the long-time official F1 safety car driver. He has held the position since 2000 and is set to take part in his 500th Formula 1 grand prix at the opening race of the season in Melbourne. Over more than two decades, Mayländer has become one of the most recognisable figures in the championship.