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F1 star set to make 500th appearance at Australian GP – but he’s NOT on the 2026 grid
As F1 kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix, one notable figure is Bernd Maylander, making his 500th appearance as the official FIA safety car driver, a role he has held since 2000. The new F1 season brings a fresh start with revamped chassis and power unit regulations for the years ahead. While concerns linger for some teams, like Aston Martin, Maylander gears up for his milestone in the F1 world at 54 years old. Having previously excelled in DTM and even finishing runner-up in his class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in ’99, Maylander continues to shine.
Mercedes now takes over the responsibility of providing the F1 safety car and medical car after Aston Martin opted out following their 2025 contract’s end. This marks the 30th year of Mercedes’ involvement in supplying the F1 safety car, dating back to the 1996 French Grand Prix. Mercedes’ longstanding commitment to safety in F1 ensures that their vehicles will showcase performance, reliability, and safety in the challenging racing environment.
