Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have both been named the biggest complainers when driving behind the Formula 1 Safety Car, an unwelcome distinction highlighted by Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer. The award was revealed in a recent interview, reflecting their notable reactions during Safety Car periods in races.
The Safety Car is integral to race safety, deployed to control the speed of Formula 1 cars on track after incidents, ensuring protection for drivers and marshals while hazards are cleared. Since 2000, Bernd Mayländer, a former DTM racer, has driven the Safety Car, currently piloting either a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series or an Aston Martin Vantage during events.
Insights from Bernd Mayländer on Drivers’ Behavior Behind the Safety Car
When asked which drivers complain the most while following the Safety Car, Mayländer singled out Hamilton and Vettel, two of the sport’s most successful figures with a combined total of eleven World Championships—seven titles for Hamilton and four for Vettel.
Immediately I would say Sebastian and Lewis,
Mayländer said, before adding:
But I don’t blame them for it.
Mayländer explained that despite the slower pace safety demands, he drives at about 95 percent of race speed once the track is cleared, disputing any notion that the pace is leisurely.
Once the track is clear, I’m probably going at 95 per cent race speed,
he stated.
Additional Details on Hamilton’s Safety Car Reputation
Although Hamilton shares the title of top Safety Car complainer with Vettel, he has previously been recognized positively by Mayländer as well. In a 2023 interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Mayländer praised Hamilton’s tendency to hide behind the Safety Car, making it challenging to spot him.
You always have to look into the blind spot – where is he?
Mayländer commented.
Lewis Hamilton, tied with Michael Schumacher for the most World Championships in F1 history, made a significant team move by joining Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. Schumacher’s legacy at Ferrari is notable, setting a high benchmark that Hamilton now aims to surpass with an eighth world crown.
However, Hamilton’s pursuit of this record appears delayed this season, as he currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings midway through the 2025 campaign, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 131 points after twelve of twenty-four races.
Beyond the Safety Car: What This Means for Hamilton and Vettel
The fact that two of Formula 1’s elite champions share this “biggest Safety Car whinger” label highlights the pressures and expectations that come with competing at the highest level. Hamilton’s and Vettel’s reactions behind the Safety Car underline their intense desire to race at full pace, even when safety regulations require restraint.
As Hamilton continues racing with Ferrari and Vettel faces new chapters in his F1 journey, their interactions with the Safety Car reflect broader challenges drivers face in balancing competitiveness with safety protocols. The award serves as a lighthearted yet telling insight into the personalities of two of the sport’s greatest.
