Aston Martin has raised the bar once again with the arrival of the new Vantage S, a car that doesn’t just embody the brand’s performance ethos, it now carries the immense responsibility of being the Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1®. Making its debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, this latest iteration of Aston Martin’s celebrated ‘S’ lineage is its most performance-focused Vantage to date.
At the heart of the Vantage S lies a hand-built 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8, producing an astonishing 680PS and 800Nm of torque. The result? A ferocious 0–62mph in just 3.4 seconds and a blistering 202mph top speed, numbers that ensure it’s more than capable of leading the world’s fastest race cars when called upon.
But raw power is only part of the story. Aston Martin has engineered bespoke aerodynamic upgrades to meet the unique demands of its new role. A full-width decklid spoiler improves rear downforce, while centrally mounted bonnet blades efficiently manage airflow from the ‘hot-V’ engine configuration. The changes give the Safety Car sharper turn-in, greater stability, and enhanced cornering grip, traits essential when being tailed by F1’s elite.
Visually, the Vantage S is unmistakable. Draped in Podium Green, mirroring the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team’s race cars, it projects authority while exuding pure sporting aggression. Add the FIA lightbar and bespoke safety equipment, and it’s ready for duty at a moment’s notice.
Behind the wheel is veteran Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer, who praised the Vantage S as a true leap forward in the model’s evolution, enabling him to respond quickly and safely whenever racing’s most high-pressure moments demand it.
Alongside the Aston Martin DBX707—continuing its role as the Official FIA Medical Car, the Vantage S adds another jewel to Aston Martin’s crown within Formula 1®. And with its spine-tingling soundtrack and commanding presence, it proves that safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of style or excitement.
Verdict:
The Aston Martin Vantage S isn’t just a safety car, it’s a statement. With blistering performance, track-bred dynamics, and iconic Aston Martin design, it elevates the role of the F1® Safety Car into something both thrilling and prestigious. This is safety redefined, and it has never looked, or sounded, so exhilarating.
