A piece of Formula 1 history is up for sale: the Aston Martin Vantage that served as the safety car during the highly controversial 2021 season, including the dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is now available for £599,990 via Auto Trader. The car, piloted by Bernd Mayländer during 34 races between 2021 and 2023, represents a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of recent motorsport lore.
This particular Vantage, chassis number ‘SC02’ (VIN N00045), accumulated 4,280 kilometers across track tests and race deployments, not only in Formula 1 but also in Formula 2, Formula 3, and other support series, according to the advert. The vehicle is notable for being signed by both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, who drove for Aston Martin during that period.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A Defining Moment
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most talked-about races in Formula 1 history. A late crash by Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car, setting the stage for a contentious finish. As the laps ticked down, a decision by then-race director Michael Masi to allow only the lapped cars between race leader Lewis Hamilton and second-place Max Verstappen to unlap themselves sparked immediate controversy. This allowed Verstappen, on fresher tires, to challenge Hamilton on the final lap and ultimately secure his first World Championship title.
The decision continues to be debated among fans and experts alike, and led to a review of the FIA’s procedures. The incident cemented the safety car’s role in the outcome of the championship, and this particular Vantage was at the center of it all.
Aston Martin’s Safety Car Tenure Comes to an End
Aston Martin’s five-year contract to provide the official Formula 1 safety and medical cars concluded after the 2025 season. The British manufacturer expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “Having amplified the brand’s return to F1, we are grateful for the association and success of holding this critical role on the grid for the past five years.”
Mercedes-AMG will resume its role as the exclusive provider of both the safety and medical cars, utilizing the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ models, respectively. Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to safety in Formula 1, noting that they have been providing the official safety and medical cars since 1996.
A Legacy of Safety and Performance
Bernd Mayländer, who has served as the Formula 1 safety car driver since 2000, is set to reach a milestone of 500 Grand Prix appearances at the Melbourne race this year, according to Reuters. His consistent presence has become a reassuring element for fans and drivers alike. A recent post on Reddit highlighted the calming effect Mayländer’s presence has on races, with one user stating, “Wild how much calmer races sense with Bernd out there. Huge respect some constants just feel like F1.”
The availability of these Aston Martin safety cars offers a rare opportunity for collectors and F1 enthusiasts to acquire a piece of the sport’s recent history. The cars represent not only a high-performance vehicle but also a symbol of the critical safety measures that are integral to Formula 1 racing.
The future of Formula 1 safety car provision is now firmly in the hands of Mercedes-AMG, continuing a tradition of prioritizing safety at the highest level of motorsport. Fans can expect to see the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series leading the field when safety protocols require it, starting with the 2026 season.
Those interested in learning more about the Aston Martin Vantage safety car can identify details and images on the Auto Trader website.
Do you think this safety car will fetch a high price at auction? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
