Aston Martin increases its presence in Formula 1® with the addition of the new Vantage S as the Official FIA Safety Car. The model, the most performance-oriented in Aston Martin’s “S” lineage, will make its debut in its safety car role at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, strengthening its link with the championship and putting the Vantage in a global showcase when the race requires it.
The Vantage S is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 680 bhp and 800 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 325 km/h. Modifications were made for its role as a Safety Car: aerodynamic improvements—such as a full-width rear spoiler—hood vents to optimise hot air extraction from the engine with a “hot-V” configuration, and the installation of the light bar required by the FIA. All these elements seek to maximise stability, visibility and control when leading the cars on the track.
Alex Long, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin, defines the Vantage S as the pinnacle of performance for this model and emphasises that its power and dynamism make it ideal for the role of Safety Car. Long also emphasises the media value of participating in Formula 1®: leading the grid as a Safety Car significantly raises brand awareness and is a source of pride for employees and customers.
The design of the Vantage S has also been thought out for its operational performance: the grilles on the bonnet and spoiler increase downforce, improve thermal management and load distribution, promoting stability and precise response when entering corners.
These features, combined with chassis adjustments, provide the official Safety Car driver, Bernd Mayländer, with a high level of grip and essential responsiveness when driving in front of the world’s best drivers. Bernd Mayländer says that driving the Vantage S is a step forward: its greater responsiveness and technical improvements allow him to intervene quickly and safely when entering the track.
The Vantage S, painted in the Podium Green colour shared by the Aston Martin Aramco team cars, joins the Aston Martin DBX707, which continues to serve as the Official FIA Medical Car.
In addition to its technical specifications, the Vantage S symbolises Aston Martin’s high-performance heritage and obsession with the driving experience. Adaptations for its role in F1® have prioritised both performance and safety: reinforced brakes, chassis calibrations and cooling enhancements ensure reliable performance during prolonged deployments at demanding speeds. For fans and teams alike, the Vantage S also offers a visual and auditory impact that reinforces the brand’s presence in the greatest spectacle in motorsport, along with complete reliability and exceptional performance.
