The former Vantage Formula 1 safety car was as slow as a turtle, according to reigning champion Max Verstappen. Aston Martin is now tackling the lack of pace with the next-generation model which benefits from a massive power increase of 153 hp for a grand total of 656 hp. We will see it this coming weekend at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where it will be joined by the DBX707 F1 medical car.
Compared to the road-going Vantage presented last month, the tailor-made version in the F1 role has a prominent front splitter and a large rear wing. These elements are all part of a more comprehensive aerodynamic kit that also includes a modified floor for better airflow. Interestingly, even the roof-mounted light bar has been reshaped for better aerodynamics.
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The cabin has also undergone many changes. For example, the standard seats have given way to a pair of Recaro Pole Position bucket seats with racing harnesses for driver Bernd Mayländer and his passenger. Aston Martin has tweaked the center console to accommodate a plethora of buttons for switchgear connected to the FIA’s mandatory systems.
There are also a few screens on the passenger side that show where all the cars are positioned on the track, as well as live lap times and a rearview camera. The Lime Essence trim used in the cabin is exclusive to the Vantage F1 safety car and is a nod to Aston Martin’s striking Racing Green livery.
Since 2021, Aston Martin and Mercedes have shared F1 Safety Car duties, with the latter supplying the AMG GT Black Series. Even though the new Vantage is more powerful than before, the German supercar still has the advantage since it develops 720 horsepower. In addition to having the same role, the two have more in common since the Vantage uses an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
The other road model converted for the F1 track is the AMG GT 63 S four-door coupe serving as a medical car, alternating with the DBX707.
