The Aston Martin Vantage, questioned as Safety Car in Formula 1

Aston Martin does not seem to be having a good run in Formula 1. If its car is not delivering what was expected, it faces another hurdle in this test of engineering. The fact is that they have received many complaints about the role of the Aston Martin Vantage as Safety Car in the sessions where it has taken part.

The main complaint it has received is that it is not fast enough to carry out that important task. The drivers are held back by the car, which apparently is unable to keep up with the pace of the racing cars. This means the single-seaters cannot keep their tyres at their optimal temperature and suffer significant setbacks in their performance on track.

Drivers’ complaints

Several of the drivers have conveyed to the FIA officials their discontent with how the Aston Martin Vantage operates. Max Verstappen did not hold back when declaring that “the Aston Martin Vantage is a tortoise“, and it creates awkward situations when it has to intervene. Others involved in Formula 1 have also given their opinion. George Russell, of Mercedes, has pointed out that the current Safety Car is about five seconds slower per lap than the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.

Even the driver at the wheel of the Aston Martin Vantage has stated that, given the speed of the model, nothing more can be done than what is already being done. The Aston Martin Vantage used as Safety Car runs a modified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It produces 528 CV, which is not little, but it proves insufficient for this delicate role.

By comparison, the Mercedes mentioned earlier produces 730 CV, so the difference is obvious. However, the FIA has published a statement defending the choice of the Vantage as Safety Car. According to this statement, the speed of this safety vehicle is not meant to be relevant; its main function is to control the speed of cars on track after an incident, prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the drivers, officials and technicians of the competition.

So the continuity of the Aston Martin Vantage as Safety Car hangs by a thread, and in the coming months its suitability for a place in Formula 1 will be assessed.

Technical specifications of this car

RoadsterAston Martin Vantage4 versions · from 200,000 €