Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have been identified as Formula 1’s most frequent complainers when driving behind the Safety Car, an acknowledgment given by F1 Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer. This distinction highlights the challenges these top drivers face during slower laps under safety conditions.
The Safety Car plays a critical role in Formula 1 by controlling the pace of the race cars to ensure the safety of drivers and marshals on track when hazards occur. Since 2000, Bernd Mayländer, a former DTM competitor, has been responsible for driving the Safety Car during F1 races, currently behind the wheel of either a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series or an Aston Martin Vantage.
Behind the Scenes: What Mayländer Says About Whining Drivers
In an interview with The Telegraph, Mayländer named Hamilton and Vettel as the drivers who complain the most when following the Safety Car on the circuit. Together, the pair holds an impressive total of 11 World Championships—Hamilton with seven and Vettel with four.
Immediately I would say Sebastian and Lewis,
said Mayländer. He added,
But I don’t blame them for it.
Despite the apparent sluggishness of the Safety Car compared to the explosive power of an F1 car, Mayländer explained his approach to driving behind the scenes:
Once the track is clear, I’m probably going at 95 per cent race speed,
he emphasized, noting that he is far from taking it easy during these moments.
Additional Insights into F1 from PlanetF1.com
While Hamilton and Vettel share this particular title, Hamilton had previously been singled out by Mayländer for another peculiar accolade as the best at hiding behind the Safety Car. In a 2023 interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Mayländer revealed Hamilton’s tendency to disappear in the blind spots during these periods.
You always have to look into the blind spot – where is he?
Currently, Hamilton’s seven World Championships place him among the sport’s greatest, tied with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton’s quest for an eighth title led him to join Ferrari—the team where Schumacher established himself as an icon—starting from the 2025 season.
However, Hamilton’s chances of securing this eighth title may have to wait. After 12 of the 24 races in the 2025 season, he stands sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, 131 points behind the leader Oscar Piastri, reflecting the current competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Implications for Future Seasons and F1 Competition
Being named the biggest complainers behind the Safety Car underscores the intense pressure and high expectations placed on drivers like Hamilton and Vettel, even during neutralized race laps. As race strategies and race pace continue to evolve, these insights from Mayländer highlight the constant tension between safety protocols and competitive instincts in Formula 1.
With Hamilton now at Ferrari and Vettel retired from full-time competition, the dynamics among top drivers will continue to shift heading into upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, the Safety Car remains a crucial element in managing race safety while testing the patience of even the sport’s most successful champions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?
A. Number 17 is the sole driver number in Formula 1 that has been officially retired. This decision honors the memory of Jules Bianchi. The French racer was using #17 when he had a tragic accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a Formula One driver from Britain. He currently races for Mercedes and has previously driven for McLaren. He openly talks about living with ADHD and explores his various interests and passions.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can pick a permanent number between 0 and 99 for themselves, but they can’t choose number 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion has the option to use number 1, and they don’t have to if they don’t want to.
Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton. Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton is a British racing driver born in 1985. Competing in Formula One, he drives for Mercedes and previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his variety of interests and hobbies.