Affalterbach. It’s a familiar sight for fans of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship: when there’s been an accident on track or the weather conditions are bad, a Mercedes-AMG safely leads the field of F1 cars around the track. It’s been this way for 25 years. And for 20 years, Bernd Mayländer has been at the steering wheel of the Official FIA F1 Safety Car. Even the color scheme of the car with its silver paint and black décor has stayed the same. But for the 2020 season, things will change: the AMG GT R (combined fuel consumption 12.4 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions 284-282 g/km)[1] with 430 kW (585 hp) will hit the race track in a new look starting July 2^nd, 2020. The car will prominently support the Formula 1 campaign “WeRaceAsOne” by featuring its rainbow key visual on the flanks and on the bonnet of the car. The eye-catching design symbolizes the sports commitment for diversity and inclusion.

When Formula 1 returns to racing this weekend in Austria, it will use this opportunity to thank people all over the world for their strength and resilience in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic. The sport will also show its unity in the fight against racism and its commitment to do more to address inequality in Formula 1.

As a sign of this commitment, rainbow visuals and the hashtag #WeRaceAsOne will feature on all Formula 1 cars and around the race track. The rainbow was chosen as it has become a symbol that is used internationally to bring communities together.

In addition to the “WeRaceAsOne” campaign, the call to “Drive Safely” will be visible on the bonnet the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, addressing fans at home who are watching the race on TV or via live stream and reminding them to always drive in a careful and considerate way. Bernd Mayländer’s ‘company car’ also uses the hashtag #PurposeDriven to promote the FIA’s (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) commitment to safety, sustainability, gender equality and diversity, and points out the FIA Action for Road Safety with mentions on the roof and tailgate of the car.

From a technical perspective, however, the Official FIA F1 Safety Car remains unchanged: the front-mid engine concept with transaxle gearbox, the powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the intricately designed chassis, the sophisticated active aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction form the basis for a particularly dynamic driving experience. Optional features include the AMG Track Package with roll-over protection system and the ceramic high-performance composite brake system. The AMG GT R is perfectly qualified for this tough job at the pinnacle of motorsport. The FIA requirements for the Official FIA F1 Safety Car are high. It must be able to maintain a high minimum speed so that the tires and brakes of the Formula 1 cars do not lose too much temperature and the engines do not overheat. With a top speed of 318 km/h and 3.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, this is an easy task for the AMG GT R.

In addition to the Safety Car, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate (combined fuel consumption 10.0-9.3 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions 229-214 g/km) [1]  is ready for emergencies as the Official FIA F1 Medical Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It will also sport the new design.

[1] The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the NEDC CO₂ figures according to Article 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures