F1 Safety Car Celebrates It’s 250th Grand Prix

Yesterday saw the climax of the Formula One season, with Sebastian Vettel claiming an emotional world title win. This wasn’t the only celebration to be had though; the F1 safety car is also celebrating it’s 250th Grand Prix.

1996 was the first time a saftey car was deployed during a Formula 1 race, at the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours. This was a Mercedes C36 AMG which was the current safety car drivers (Bernd Maylander) company car at the time!  It was given to him in April of that year, but recalled a month later in May. The car was being converted into the safety car with a personalised number plate: S – BM 300. Ever since this vehicle was deployed, there have been 9 other Mercedes safety cars and this season saw the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Since it’s introduction in 1996, the Formlua One safety car has been deployed in 89 out of 249 races! That’s nearly 40% of the races, so it’s clear that it’s a very important feature of the series.

Saftey cars provided by Mercedes since 1996: 1996: C 36 AMG, 1997-1999: CLK 55 AMG, 2000: CL 55 AMG, 2001/2002: SL 55 AMG, 2003: CLK 55 AMG, 2004/2005: SLK 55 AMG, 2006/2007: CLK 63 AMG, 2008/2009: SL 63 AMG, Since 2010: SLS AMG

Find out more information on the F1 safety car here. Image source: Mercedes-AMG.com