F1 is all about speed, and there is no denying that there are certain safety specifications that need to be put in place to keep the sport safe and slow down when necessary. Although Formula 1 needs speed, there are times on the track when drivers must follow the safety car with special instructions.

There are currently two types, but what is the difference between a virtual safety car and a safety car? Both are deployed as security measures on the track to avoid obstacles, crashes or damage to the barriers but in different ways.

The safety car will always remain in place until the track is completely clear and it is safe to continue the race, but a virtual safety car is invoked to limit the driver’s acceleration to less than their normal speed to neutralize the competition while they are racing. take safety precautions.
What is an F1 Safety Car?

In Formula 1, the safety car was introduced at the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix to keep the race safe for stewards to clear debris or damaged cars from the track. For the drivers, this means they either have to slow down and cannot pass each other, or they can use this time to make a pit stop with less time lost. The safety car is used when there is a danger, but it is not serious enough to warrant a stoppage of the race and warrant a red flag.

The physical safety car itself comes in two varieties and has been driven by the same driver since 2000. The Aston Martin Vantage or Mercedes Benz AMG GT Black Series is driven by German racing driver Bernd Maylander, who previously raced in the series. DTM for Mercedes and his current co-driver Richard Darker.

The safety car must be in constant contact with race control to be alert for any new changes, such as the end of the safety car period or when to let cars that have been lapped pass. The implications of this can be dangerous as all the drivers come together and race at a slower pace, but when the decision is made by the race director, either a yellow flag, virtual safety car or full safety car will be displayed. .

Virtual Safety Car vs Safety Car

Aside from the obvious differences between a physical and virtual safety car, you may be wondering what they mean for drivers and what are the implications. There are differences in the rules between a full safety car and a virtual safety car in F1, so read on to find out everything you need to know.
virtual safety car

A virtual safety car is provided to drivers with a minimum time to complete certain sections of the track. It has no levels of variability and is typically around 30% slower than what the FIA considers a standard race lap, meaning the cars stay in the same position on the track but are slower.

If a driver is not slower than the virtual safety car in any section or before the race continues, he will receive penalties as the system is in place to keep the race safe and smooth.
safe car

In some cases, a physical safety car is implemented, which is where the car will drive the entire group of cars around the track during an incident, such as debris on the track or a car that needs to be removed. It is used as a happy medium where a yellow flag does not provide enough warning and a race-ending red flag is too excessive.

The safety car will allow the marshals to work safely as the cars will work together at a certain speed (set by the safety car) based on the severity of the crash or debris. Depending on when the safety car is implemented, there may be cars left behind that are out of position. For example, a car passed in last place may be in front of the car in third place that has yet to pass it.

If the safety car is expected to be in place for a long time, then the race director may consider it safe for the teams to overtake the safety car to get them back in order and unfasten.

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