Aston Martin issues statement after unexpected withdrawal from Formula 1

20:26, 19 Jan

byLudo van Denderen

Aston Martin has responded for the first time after the company stopped supplying the safety car and medical cars to Formula 1.

In recent seasons, Mercedes and Aston Martin have alternated between race to race in providing the safety car and medical cars. However, it suddenly emerged that for the new season only Mercedes will take on the duties.

Hours after the news leaked, Aston Martin, which is also owned by Lawrence Stroll, the same as the F1 team, has now issued a statement. The team has told GPblog: "The agreement between Aston Martin and Formula 1 for the provision of the official FIA Safety and Medical Car ended at the end of the 2025 season."

"Following the brand’s successful return to F1, we are grateful for the partnership and the success of this crucial role on the grid over the past five years."

The Aston Martin safety car - Photo: RacePictures

It is not entirely clear why Aston Martin decided against extending the agreement, especially with F1 enjoying considerable attraction from fans across the world.

In the past, there was occasional criticism of the Aston Martin safety car, which was not as powerful and fast as the Mercedes. Among others, Max Verstappen once called the Aston Martin “the green turtle” as drivers were unable to get their tyres up to temperature running behind the slower safety car.

Mercedes were the exclusive provider of F1's safety car since 1996 until the joint-deal with Aston Martin started in 2021.

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