The latest iteration of the Aston Martin Vantage, boasting unparalleled speed and performance, emerges as the newest Official FIA Safety Car for Formula 1®, intensifying the stakes on the racing circuit.
Marking its debut at the FORMULA 1® STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2024, alongside the DBX707 serving as the Official FIA Medical Car, this remarkable Vantage signifies the fourth consecutive season where Aston Martin has provided specialized vehicles for crucial safety duties in F1®.
March 5, 2024, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin, renowned for its innovation, thrusts the new Vantage into the forefront of Formula 1®, with its utmost focus on driver experience. Meticulously calibrated and outfitted to lead the pinnacle of motorsport across global Grand Prix™ circuits, the Vantage assumes its pivotal role as the Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1®.
A modified variant of the high-performance Vantage will lead the procession of 20 F1® cars on the formation lap at the upcoming FORMULA 1® STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2024, positioning itself at the pit lane exit, poised for swift action should intervention be necessary to regulate the race’s pace.
Unveiled just three weeks prior alongside its racing counterparts, the Vantage GT3 and AMR24 F1® car, the new Vantage embodies an authentic celebration of pure performance. Engineered to deliver exhilaration with utmost confidence, it is emblematic of Aston Martin’s dynamic heritage spanning 111 years.
Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin expressed, “The Vantage epitomizes the Aston Martin ethos, and witnessing the fastest, most driver-centric Vantage to date assume a vital role in the esteemed FIA Formula One World Championship™ fills us with immense pride. In terms of global visibility and excitement, F1® stands unrivaled. Leveraging the inherent synergy between the sport and Aston Martin, enthusiasts will not only witness the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR24 in action but also two of our most exhilarating performance models, the Vantage and the award-winning DBX707.”
Powered by a potent 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, handcrafted for unparalleled performance, the new Vantage represents the pinnacle of its lineage, boasting a 30% increase in power compared to its predecessor. Its exceptional performance attributes required no modifications to its powertrain, cooling system, or braking capabilities to fulfill its role as an FIA Safety Car, indicative of its inherent suitability for the task.
Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car Driver, remarked, “Driving the Aston Martin Vantage is an absolute delight. Born from a distinguished lineage, this latest iteration is the epitome of speed. Initial impressions were exceedingly positive, with noticeable enhancements in handling and power. A swift and agile response is paramount in our role, and the Vantage delivers precisely that. Having had the pleasure of driving the Vantage over the past three seasons, I am thrilled to experience the full extent of its performance prowess on the world’s premier racing circuits.”
To ensure optimal performance on the race track, the Vantage Safety Car underwent rigorous aerodynamic enhancements, featuring modified underfloor components and an extended front splitter. A bespoke rear wing was strategically positioned for increased downforce, supplemented by a tuned Gurney. The FIA lightbar received aerodynamic profiling to maximize performance while leading the pack of F1® cars, each millisecond crucial in maintaining tire temperatures.
Internally, the Vantage Safety Car has various systems to support drivers and passengers in their respective roles. Standard production seats were replaced with Pole Position Seats to enhance stability during high-speed maneuvers. A custom center console houses the necessary switchgear for FIA systems, complemented by screens displaying real-time lap data, car positions, and a rear-view camera feed. Despite its functional enhancements, the Safety Car retains Aston Martin’s hallmark luxury, with the interior adorned in a distinctive Lime Essence trim, paying homage to the brand’s racing heritage.
Roberto Fedeli, Group Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin, elaborated, “Every aspect of the Vantage, from conception to execution, embodies the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. This latest iteration, already renowned as the fastest and most driver-focused Vantage to date, is ideally suited for its unique role. Converting it into an Official FIA Safety Car involved integrating all necessary FIA equipment while enhancing aerodynamic capabilities to ensure it can perform optimally on the track and showcase the capabilities of our latest ultra-luxury high-performance vehicle.”
The Vantage Safety Car and DBX707 Medical Car will debut for the 2024 season at the FORMULA 1® STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX. As in previous years, both vehicles will be adorned in Aston Martin Racing Green, mirroring the colors of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team cars.
