Aston Martin dumps F1 duty! 'Green turtle' era ends as Mercedes takes back full control

 

Aston Martin have decided not to renew its contract after it expired at the end of 2025. The brand had shared Safety and Medical Car (SC & MC) duties with Mercedes since 2021, making it a five year programme. From 2026 onward, Mercedes becomes the sole supplier.

The Aston Martin Vantage Formula One (F1) edition was criticised for being slower and less powerful than the Mercedes AMG GT Black Series, including a 200 bhp deficit and extra weight. Max Verstappen famously called it a “turtle” after the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, complaining it was too slow under SC conditions.

The exact reasons for Aston Martin’s withdrawal have been disclosed. Media reports explicitly state that the reason for the exit is unclear. However, the programme was subject to performance scrutiny and comparisons to Mercedes’ faster car. Cost benefit considerations and “limited upside” are reasonable interpretations but not stated in any official source.

Since 2021, Aston Martin (green) and Mercedes (red) alternated SC and MC duties at different weekends. With Aston Martin stepping away, this alternating system ends in 2026, leaving Mercedes as the sole supplier.

Drivers did complain about the Aston Martin Vantage’s pace – most famously Verstappen calling it a “turtle” at the 2022 Australian Grand Prix. Reports highlight the Vantage’s power deficit and heavier weight compared to the Mercedes AMG GT Black Series. However, no source explicitly states that Mercedes’ sole return will “end pace complaints.” It’s a reasonable inference but not a confirmed claim.

The alternating green and red SC era ends in 2026. Mercedes will supply all cars at all 24 races. What is not explicitly stated is FIA’s operational simplification and loss of visual variety as an official concern. These are logical consequences, not reported facts.

Aston Martin did not give a reason for ending the programme. Media note the brand’s financial pressures and the mixed exposure from the SC role. But no source states that Aston Martin will redirect resources to its F1 team or road car division. This is a valid editorial question, but not a reported fact.

By Charlie Gardner

📸 Imagery courtesy of  The Race and Mercedes AMG Motorsport