The safety car celebrated its 50th anniversary in Formula 1 at the Canadian Grand Prix. Exactly 50 years ago, the car first came into action. Then, too, it was in the GP of Canada, which was then still held at Mosport Park, the old circuit in Canada where Formula 1 Grand Prix were still held until 1977.
The car that slows the grid down during yellow flag incidents has long been driven by Bernd Mayländer. From the 2021 season, Mercedes' red safety car, and Aston Martin's green one, will be swapped. Aston Martin engineer Dan Fallows is happy with the safety car and its input into F1.
Important tool for Aston Martin
"I think it’s played a big part in Formula 1. We’ve obviously seen a lot of action with the Safety Car in recent years as well – but I think the most important is it’s a real testament to the FIA’s commitment to improving safety over the last 50 years, and the Safety Car is a big part of that," the Aston Martin man told a press conference in Canada.
The 49-year-old Fallows also explained that it is a showcase for his team. "Obviously, for us, as Aston Martin, it’s a very important showcase for Vantage, and we get to see that at the race weekends, which is great for us."