Yahoo Autos How the F1 safety car has evolved since 1973 — from Porsche 914 to Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
This article is part of "Behind the Wheel," a series about the highly competitive and high-tech world of Formula 1.
Bernd Mayländer has led a lot of laps in Formula 1 — but not as a competitor. Ever since the 1999 San Marino Grand Prix, the 52-year-old German driver has been behind the wheel of the Formula 1 safety car, leading the pack safely around the track after a crash or incident.
His longevity in the role has surprised even him.
"I certainly didn't expect 24 years ago that I'd still be doing this," Mayländer said with a laugh. "But I'm still enjoying it and didn't think time would go by so quickly. Just to be a little part of this great sport — it's amazing."
The safety car plays a major role in today's F1. When an accident or crash happens, or if weather conditions get particularly bad, the safety car is sent out and all competitors must slow down and follow it. Driving at a reasonable pace, Mayländer guides the Formula 1 cars slowly around the course, ensuring that track marshals can remove debris and the medical team can tend to injured drivers.
But the safety car dates to long before Mayländer's involvement. In fact, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first deployment of a safety car in F1.
Business Insider chatted with Mayländer about the history of the F1 safety car and some of his most memorable moments in the sport.
A rocky start
The first F1 safety car was a "lemon-yellow" Porsche 914, and it made its debut at the rain-soaked 1973 Canadian Grand Prix. It was a far cry from the kind of sports cars used today. A rear engine provided the tiny car with about 80 horsepower.
"I wasn't watching TV at the time because maybe I was too young," Mayländer said. "But I do remember seeing pictures of it — still a phenomenal car."
The safety car, then referred to as the "pace-car control system," went through just one test before its debut at the '73 race. Its deployment caused a fair bit of confusion. Some racers were unsure whether to line up behind it, and the results of that race would later be disputed because of the mishap.
A variety of suppliers
In the years following its debut, the safety car bounced around between various manufacturers and was not a constant presence at races until the '90s. Notable safety cars included a Lamborghini Countach, deployed for several years in the early '80s in Monaco, a Fiat Tempra, and a Renault Clio.
Of all these old safety cars, Mayländer pointed to the Lamborghini as one he wished he could have driven.
"I've never driven a Lamborghini in my life," he said. "And the Countach, that was something very special."
Standardizing the process
Toward the end of the '96 season, the International Automobile Federation made moves to formalize the safety-car process. Mercedes became the official safety-car supplier with its C36 AMG model, and the British driver Oliver Gavin was named the first permanent driver of the safety car.
Bernd Mayländer makes his safety-car debut
Mayländer's first time behind the wheel of the safety car came at the '99 San Marino Grand Prix, driving a Mercedes CLK 55 AMG.
"I remember everything from that first race weekend," he said. "I was nervous, just a young race driver at the time, thrust into this Formula 1 role."
