Faster new 2024 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car launched

The new-generation 2024 Aston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car has made its debut ahead of its first outing this weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Taking over the reins from the previous version, the latest Aston Martin Vantage features specially tailored aerodynamics created for sustained hot-lapping of F1 circuits.

Compared to the latest road car, which was unwrapped three weeks ago, the F1 track model features an extended front splitter, oversized fixed rear spoiler and, beneath the skin, a modified underfloor.

Even the FIA-approved light bar has spent time in a wind tunnel to maximise its performance.

Combined, the aero aids are said to have boosted the amount of downforce generated – and every millisecond of performance is said to be needed when leading a pack of the world’s fastest racers.

Inside, the Vantage road car’s seats have been dumped for some competition-spec Pole Position bucket seats.

Ahead of legendary FIA safety car driver Bernd Maylander is a modified centre console that features extra controls needed for the mandatory FIA systems.

Two further huge screens are positioned in front of Maylander’s passenger that are said to broadcast both live lap times from the race as well as a live feed from the rear-view camera.

If you’re wondering about the cabin’s lime green accents, they join the Aston Martin Racing Green body paint to draw a visual link with the liveries of the British car-maker’s race team.

Since the new Vantage pumps out an incredible 489kW/800Nm from its Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, the new F1 safety car should be significantly quicker than the previous car that produced 30 per cent less power and had a 116Nm lower torque peak.

According to Aston Martin, even though the Vantage will be driven flat-out for multiple laps, potentially in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in the Saudi heat, no engine upgrades or cooling system were needed. Even the road car’s standard brakes have been retained.

Indeed, the claimed 0-100km/h sprint is now completed in just 3.5 seconds, while top speed is a lofty 325km/h – although expect the latter to be lower from the F1 safety car on account of the extra drag introduced by its high-downforce aero.

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