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New Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO Debuts as F1 Safety Car in Hungary
Formula 1 welcomes the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ to the grid, featuring innovative all-wheel drive for ultimate control.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-25T19:11:57.000Z - 2 min read
During the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 experienced a trackside premiere: the official introduction of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ as safety car. This powerful vehicle made its debut before thousands of fans and the racing world, ready to intervene in the event of unexpected incidents. It marks an important step in the ongoing evolution of the sport's safety protocols.
The arrival of this new model signals the end of an era for its predecessor, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Since 2022, this striking sports car served as the vital centerpiece holding the field together whenever required. Having fulfilled its duty with flair for years, the Black Series now passes the baton to its more modern and technologically advanced successor.
What particularly sets the GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ apart is a fundamental technical upgrade that elevates safety car functionality to a new level. This is the first car in Formula 1 history equipped with fully variable all-wheel drive. Such a modification is far more than a minor detail; it represents a significant leap in vehicle performance.
The deployment of this advanced 4MATIC+ system is no coincidence. It has been specifically engineered to maximize grip and car stability. In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of Formula 1, it is essential that the safety car operates at peak efficiency at all times.
This technology promises to make a world of difference especially when weather conditions deteriorate. On wet, slippery tracks, fully variable all-wheel drive delivers unprecedented levels of traction and control. This enables the driver to maintain a consistent and suitable pace under the most challenging conditions, which is crucial for the safety of all competitors.
The capacity to operate faster and with greater stability in poor weather is a direct improvement over previous models. Formula 1 once again demonstrates its commitment to investing in state-of-the-art machinery to safeguard track safety, regardless of the challenges a race weekend presents. This new chapter for the safety car is a tangible expression of that ambition.