Bernd Mayländer celebrates his 500th Grand Prix in the Safety Car

While Formula 1 As Formula 1 prepares to launch its 2026 season with the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 8, Bernd Mayländer, the safety car driver, is celebrating another milestone. He will be starting his 500th Formula 1 Grand Prix behind the wheel of the safety car.

Arrived at the wheel of the safety car in Formula 3000 during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in 1999 at the request of the race director at the time, Charlie Whiting, the German was promoted to the premier class a year later. An unforgettable first experience. I still remember my first race in Melbourne in 2000 very well. I was standing on the starting grid of the Albert Park circuit in the Mercedes Benz-Benz CL 55 AMG, with all the Formula 1 drivers behind me, he remembers. It's a moment I'll never forget. "He hasn't left his post since. Still passionate 26 years later, Bernd Mayländer has no intention of giving up his position at the moment."

Mercedes has been providing safety in F1 for three decades

This season also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Mercedes safety car. The sole supplier of safety cars to Formula 1 since 1996, the three-pointed star brand has had to share its privileges with the British manufacturer. Aston Martin from 2021 to 2025. However, with the latter declining to extend its commitment this season, the German brand, which celebrated its 500th deployment at the United States Grand Prix last season, will therefore be the only one to neutralize the F1 events.

Over the years, thirteen Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models have ensured the safety of racetracks around the world. Since 2022, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, recognizable by its red livery, has been deployed in F1 as well as in other championships. Formula 2 and Formula 3 and other support series.

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