Aston Martin pulls out as Mercedes becomes F1’s sole supplier
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 16:35, 19 Jan
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Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years of experience in sports media. He covers key developments across the paddock, delivering accurate reporting and insight on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work published on recognised platforms including Tuko and Legit.ng.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will see Mercedes become the sole supplier of both the Safety Car and Medical Car, GPblog understands.
This development follows Aston Martin’s decision to end its involvement as an official safety car provider. The British manufacturer had shared Safety Car duties with Mercedes since 2021, but has opted to step away as F1 enters a new regulatory era in 2026.
Aston Martin’s stint as a Safety Car supplier sparked mixed reactions over the years, with the pace of its car occasionally coming under criticism.
Aston Martin Safety Car during the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures
Mercedes, meanwhile, has supplied the Safety Car since 1996, overseeing major evolutions in both the machinery and the operation itself. The German outfit will now return to being the exclusive supplier for the new season.
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The Medical Car – the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S – is also set to remain in service for the 2026 campaign.
Mercedes power unit facing early teething issues?
Earlier, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert indicated a possible problem surrounding the Mercedes power unit.
The former British driver claimed he had heard that Mercedes ran into issues during initial installations of the power unit in the car, with the engine reportedly failing to start.
Herbert’s comments come at a time when the Brackley team’s power unit is already under intense scrutiny, following the alleged compression trick that surfaced in recent weeks, with a meeting between the FIA and the teams scheduled for January 22.
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 72 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 63 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 49 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 41 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 25 | |
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9 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 12 | |
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