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Safety in F1 involves both active and passive measures. Here we focus on the active component: the safety car. Bernd Mayländer, the current FIA driver, told us that driving it requires much more than just experience behind the wheel.
What does an F1 safety car driver do?
Better known by its English name, the safety car is used to neutralize the race. It is usually deployed in the event of an accident, debris on the track, or dangerous weather conditions. The car positions itself in front of the leader and sets the pace, slowing down the pack and regrouping the drivers while the marshals clear the track or medical personnel attend to an injured competitor.
The FanF1 editorial team took a closer look at a key role in motorsport, particularly in Formula 1: the safety car driver. We secured an exclusive interview with Bernd Mayländer, the man behind the wheel of the F1 safety car. A former German GT and DTM (German Touring Car Championship) driver, Mayländer has been the official safety car driver since 2000 and now has more than 700 laps under his belt at the head of a Grand Prix, surpassing former stars such as Mark Webber, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Jacques Villeneuve.
During the interview, we asked Bernd Mayländer about the importance of his work for safety in F1. He was quick to point out that he never works alone: his co-driver, Pete Tibbetts, sits alongside him and provides him with all the information he needs to ensure the safety of the drivers. “Many people contribute to ensuring the safety of the drivers, which requires perfect cohesion and excellent teamwork,” explained Mayländer. As the safety car drives on the race track, it can transmit very precise observations to race control. If the driver notices anything unusual, he can pass on this information, allowing the stewards to intervene if necessary. The safety car itself is built to racing standards, with a proper racing seat and six-point harness, just like a competition car. However, Mayländer does not wear a HANS (Head And Neck Support) device: “We don't have HANS because we have to remain agile, especially when we're in the medical car. It would be uncomfortable for the type of work we do,” he explains. The car is equipped with a roll cage, and Mayländer always wears his fireproof suit and helmet. “Without this equipment, I wouldn't feel safe,” he adds. In short, every precaution is taken: “We have everything we need to ensure safety in these cars, especially the Mercedes and Aston models, which are excellent from a safety perspective.”
Teamwork
Ensuring driver safety and continuously improving safety in F1 relies on seamless teamwork between everyone involved. The safety car driver, his co-driver, the race director, the marshals, and even the medical car must all work in harmony to be effective. When asked how he coordinates his work with the medical car, Mayländer emphasizes that it is a matter of familiarity and mutual respect. “It's a matter of friendship and teamwork; everyone knows their role,” he said. Although the safety car and the medical car receive the same information, their functions are different. When the safety car is deployed, it clears the way for the medical car, allowing it to arrive at the scene of the incident as quickly as possible. The medical car always has priority, as its presence signals a serious incident. Mayländer also contributes to the ongoing development of safety measures in F1. He can share his experience and suggestions with the FIA, which then implements them. “Safety is a crucial issue. It's a matter of friendship and collaboration,” he reiterated.
Essential training
During a Grand Prix weekend, the drivers start on Friday with practice sessions, while the safety car takes advantage of Thursday to familiarize itself with the circuit. Mayländer told us that he spends Thursday morning analyzing the circuit layout, then sets off in the afternoon for a reconnaissance lap. This first lap on the track is crucial, especially on difficult circuits such as Monaco. This session also allows the team to test the radio link with race control and check that all technical systems, such as the GPS map, are working properly. “Training within the limits and testing myself is the most important thing for me,” concluded Mayländer.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning during a Grand Prix weekend, the safety car and medical car carry out short tests on the circuit, usually two or three laps. These laps also allow the track marshals to rehearse their tasks. “We have to do these practice runs every morning of the Grand Prix weekend so that everything is ready for the practice sessions and the race on Sunday,” Mayländer explains. “The most important thing for me is to practice driving well within the limits, to test myself. Outside of race weekends, Mayländer devotes most of his winter training time to specific test programs. These sessions help him adapt to the very different characteristics of each circuit, whether in Mexico, Germany, France, or elsewhere. “We carry out tests during the winter that can last three, four, or five days, depending on the schedule,” he said. The FIA also uses this period to check that all electronic systems (GPS, communications, etc.) are working properly, and Mayländer shares his impressions as a driver with the officials.
A constantly evolving field Mayländer has been a Formula 1 safety car driver since 2000, for more than 20 years. When asked if his role has become routine or if it is still evolving, he replies that it has changed in many ways, particularly with technological advances and data transmission. “I love this job because it's constantly evolving, but the basic principles remain the same. It's a team effort, a partnership to improve things,” he said. This season brings a new twist to the safety car fleet: two different models are being used, a Mercedes and an Aston Martin. The British brand is making its return to the F1 paddock after a 60-year absence, and Mayländer is delighted with the partnership. “It's good for the brand, for Formula 1, and for the FIA that these two manufacturers are supplying the safety cars and medical cars,” he said. He doesn't mind switching from one car to another; the essence of his job remains the same. When asked about the future, Mayländer was questioned about the impact of the 2022 regulatory changes on his work. He expects the speed of the safety car to remain roughly the same, even though the new rules will slow down the race cars overall. “We're already driving very fast, but it's less noticeable compared to the exceptional race cars behind us. Next year, there shouldn't be any significant changes to the role of the safety car, just a few minor rule changes,” he said. Safety cars and medical cars in 2021:
