Aston Martin’s latest Vantage S has become an official FIA safety car in Formula 1. This performance-focused addition to Aston Martin’s S models made its F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
With its hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 680ps and 800Nm of torque, the specially equipped Vantage S delivers 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h. These speeds enable it to lead the world’s fastest racing cars under safety car conditions. Additional aerodynamic upgrades, including a new rear deck spoiler and regular additions such as the FIA lightbar have been engineered for optimum stability and visibility during deployment.
Alex Long, global marketing director at Aston Martin, said, “Vantage S represents the peak of performance for the model that is the beating heart of the Aston Martin brand. With increased power and even greater dynamic prowess, this car was destined to take on the prestigious role as an F1 safety car. It will be a source of great pride for our colleagues and our customers to see it leading the pack whenever it is called upon. In terms of brand awareness, nothing can compete with Formula, and we are proud to play our part in what we believe is the greatest show on Earth.”
Visually, the Vantage S features new centrally mounted hood blades to optimize the extraction of hot air from the hot-V configured V8 engine. It also has a full-width decklid spoiler, which increases rear downforce and helps keep the overall balance of downforce biased to the front. This gives official safety car driver Bernd Mayländer exceptional turn-in response and a high level of cornering grip.
Mayländer said, “The introduction of the Vantage S as the official FIA safety car of Formula 1 represents yet another clear step forward in the Vantage’s performance capability, exhibiting capabilities that further allow me to effectively respond quickly and safely when we receive the call for on-track deployment. I’m delighted to be one of the very first to drive the Vantage S, and look forward to experiencing the world’s greatest circuits in the most performance-focused Vantage to date.”
In related news, the Toyota GR Supra has been chosen to be the official pace car for the 2025 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Championships, marking the third GR Sports car to carry out the duties for NASA’s Nationals
