Aston Martin and Mercedes to share F1 safety car duties in 2021

Mercedes-AMG will reportedly relinquish next year its status as F1's exclusive safety car supplier, with Aston Martin sharing the privilege with the German manufacturer at over half of the races in 2021.

According to a report from Motorsport.com, next season's arrangement with see the two manufacturers share F1's safety car duties while Mercedes will continue to provide F1's medical car.

Mercedes has been Grand Prix racing's exclusive safety car supplier since 1996, with AMG overseeing the design of the purpose-built vehicles.

This year's safety car is a heavily modified Mercedes-AMG GT R powered by a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing 585 hp, with the striking machine entrusted to former racer Bernd Maylander.

By evenly sharing the safety car supply deal between Mercedes and Aston Martin, both manufacturers will enjoy equal exposure of their brand and product at a lower cost.

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Last month, Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin Lagonda announced a strategic technology agreement by which the legendary British luxury car maker will be granted access to a range of Mercedes technologies, including next generation hybrid and electric powertrains.

In exchange of the agreement, Mercedes' financial stake in Aston Martin will increase to 20%.

Furthermore, Mercedes AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff acquired earlier this year shares in Aston Martin, as also did future Aston Martin Racing driver Sebastian Vettel.

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