P1racenews AI automatic summary:
What is the F1 safety car and who is providing it in 2026?
Ahead of the 2026 season, major changes have been announced regarding the supply of the F1 safety car, a crucial element in controlling race incidents.
Since 1993, safety cars are a regular sight in F1, ensuring a controlled pace during debris clearing or adverse weather conditions.
The safety car’s debut dates back to the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix as a response to hazardous track conditions, initially with a Porsche 914 leading the pack.
Despite a rocky start, the safety car has become a staple in F1, with notable appearances in races like the Monaco Grands Prix.
The deployment of the safety car is signaled by yellow flags and boards, with the race director making the call based on safety concerns on track.
In 2026, Mercedes will be the exclusive provider of the F1 safety car following Aston Martin’s decision not to extend their contract after jointly supplying the vehicle with Mercedes since 2021.
Additionally, the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) system, featuring drivers running at reduced speeds without bunching up, provides an alternative to traditional safety car deployments for managing incidents on the track.
