Gallery: History of safety cars in Formula 1
The safety car made its first appearance in a Formula 1 race back in 1973, but it wasn't until the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1993 that it was officially introduced by the sport.
Between 1993-96, individual race organisers were responsible for supplying safety cars, leading to some strange choices. However, this practice ended in 1997 when F1 handed Mercedes a contract to become F1's official safety car partner - and the German manufacturer continues to supply safety cars to the series till date.
Check out our gallery below to rediscover some of the safety cars that have been used in F1 over the years.
Porsche 914 (Canada 1973)
Photo by: David Phipps
Porsche (Monaco 1976)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Lamborghini Countach (Monaco 1981, 1982, 1983)
Photo by: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch
Lamborghini Countach (Monaco 1981, 1982, 1983)
Photo by: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch
Fiat Tempra 16V (Brazil 1993)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Opel Vectra (San Marino 1994)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Honda Prelude (Japan 1994)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Porsche 911 GT2 (Belgium 1995)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Renault Clio (Argentina 1996)
Mercedes C 36 AMG (1996-97)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Mercedes CLK 55 AMG (1997-98)
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Mercedes CL 55 AMG (1999-2000)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Mercedes SL 55 AMG (2001-02)
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Mercedes CLK 55 AMG (2003)
Photo by: Lyndon McNeil
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (2004-05)
Photo by: Sutton Images
Mercedes CLK 63 AMG (2006-07)
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Mercedes SL 63 AMG (2008-09)
Photo by: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch
Mercedes SLS AMG (2010-2014)
Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images
Mercedes-AMG GT S (2015-2017)
Photo by: Mirko Stange
Mercedes AMG GT R (since 2018)
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Previous article
F1 career stats: Rubens Barrichello
Next article
Racing Point still has the "lowest budget" in F1
The core problems Yas Marina’s long-awaited tweaks won't address
OPINION: Changes to the layout of Abu Dhabi’s circuit aim to reverse the trend of insipid Formula 1 races there - the promoter has even described one of the new corners as “iconic”. And that, argues STUART CODLING, is one of this venue’s abiding failings
How Ferrari offered Callum Ilott what Red Bull couldn't
Last year's Formula 2 runner-up Callum Ilott could be on his way to becoming the first Briton to contest a grand prix in an Alfa Romeo since Reg Parnell in 1950. But, says Oleg Karpov, the Ferrari Driver Academy protege is having to temper his ambition at the moment – outwardly at least…
The signs that point to F1's rude health
OPINION: Formula 1's calendar might still be facing disruption as the pandemic affects travel but, says Mark Gallagher, the business itself is fundamentally strong thanks to the epic rivalry taking place on track and the consistent arrival of new sponsors.
The unexpected benefit of F1's sprint race repeat
OPINION: Formula 1's sprint race trial at Silverstone drew mixed feedback on Saturday, but there remained the true test of how it would impact Sunday's Grand Prix. While fans were busy marvelling at Fernando Alonso's progress, a key lesson was being learned that would directly contribute to the dramatic lap-one clash at Copse the following day
The off-track considerations that led to Hamilton/Verstappen F1 shunt
OPINION: Formula 1’s 2021 title fight turned ugly last weekend when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided at the start of the British Grand Prix. Verstappen thankfully walked away unharmed, but this had been a clash long-since coming.
British Grand Prix Driver Ratings
The 2021 British Grand Prix will live long in the memory for the dramatic clash between Formula 1's two title protagonists, which opened the door for other drivers to capitalise. One did so in spectacular fashion, while others fluffed their lines
How Leclerc almost defied Hamilton after Silverstone clash
A poor start for Valtteri Bottas and the lap one clash between Formula 1's 2021 title protagonists gave Charles Leclerc a surprise lead in the British Grand Prix that he almost held to the end. Here's how the Ferrari driver came close to a famous victory, ultimately denied by a recovering Lewis Hamilton three laps from home
The signs that suggest Mercedes can win at Silverstone
Red Bull and Max Verstappen scored an early blow against Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes at Silverstone, with sprint qualifying race victory. But that doesn’t mean Sunday’s grand prix is a foregone conclusion. Although Verstappen starts as the favourite, here’s why Mercedes still holds hope of winning
