Safety Car

The Safety Car is a high-performance road car (typically a Mercedes-AMG GT or similar) that is deployed on the Formula 1 circuit when conditions are deemed too dangerous for racing to continue at full speed. When the Safety Car is deployed, all cars must form a queue behind it and maintain a controlled pace. Overtaking is prohibited. The Safety Car is used in situations including accidents, debris on track, heavy rain, or medical emergencies. The deployment of the Safety Car has a significant strategic impact — teams often use it as an opportunity to pit without losing track position. The Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was introduced in 2015 as a less disruptive alternative for situations that require a reduction in speed but not full neutralisation.

The Safety Car was introduced to Formula 1 in 1993, following several accidents in previous seasons. The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix saw the Safety Car deployed multiple times. The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Safety Car controversy — when race director Michael Masi allowed only lapped cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves — led to Masi's replacement and significant changes to Safety Car procedures.