In addition, research since 2021 Aston Martin provided a safety vehicle during the Grand Prix of Formula 1That time is now over, and for the moment, only the Classic Mercedes for sale-AMG GT Black Series, recognizable by its red livery, will operate on track, thus regaining a monopoly it had held since 1996. Mercedes will therefore be the only manufacturer to supply the safety car and also the medical car in F1 until further notice.
Weighing 45 kg more than its German rival and less powerful due to a 200 hp deficit, the Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition was logically slower. Despite the manufacturer's efforts, the vehicle never fully won over the public, as was notably pointed out. Max Verstappen on the occasion of the 2022 Australian Grand Prix. It was like a tortoise. It's unbelievable. Driving that car at 140 km/h on the back straight when there were no more damaged cars, I don't understand why we had to drive so slowly. " he had criticized at the time.
To address these shortcomings, Aston Martin introduced a more powerful model (656 hp) for the 2024 season. The British brand then went further, offering a third evolution for the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix with the Vantage S, equipped with an even more powerful V8 engine, boosting the car's total output to 670 hp. Despite these improvements, the gap remained significant: the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series boasted a top speed of 325 km/h, compared to 291 km/h for the Aston Martin Vantage.
The contract between Aston Martin and Formula 1, which was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, was ultimately not renewed by the manufacturer. Aston Martin's agreement with Formula 1 to supply the official FIA safety car and medical car ended at the end of the 2025 season. Having strengthened the brand's return to F1, we are grateful for this partnership and the success of playing this essential role on the grid over the past five years.The Vantage will thus have made its final appearance at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix after a collision between Nico Hulkenberg et Pierre Gasly on the seventh lap of the race.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
21/01/2026 at 07:11 a.m.
Nothing illogical given Aston Martin Cars' financial situation; they have other strategic priorities than "paying up again" to extend an expiring contract. I'm very curious to know the impact of the F1 Safety Car on Aston Martin's reputation and image... beyond the launch of a limited-edition Aston Martin Vantage "F1 Edition" which was sold at an unreasonable price upon its release and can now be found for €150!
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
20/01/2026 at 10:21 a.m.
Great news, nothing else to add!!!!! 😎👍🧐