Bernd Maylander has been the undisputed master of the Formula 1 Safety Car for 25 years, holding the unique position of always leading and controlling the world’s top drivers. Since 2000, he has been the only person able to keep racing legends like Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen behind him—not because of sheer speed, but thanks to the unmistakable flashing lights atop his car that signal all drivers must follow without overtaking.
For a quarter of a century, Maylander has performed this vital and demanding role with passion and professionalism, becoming an essential part of every Formula 1 Grand Prix. Despite being a skilled racing driver in his earlier career, including a notable second place in the GT class at the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, he retired from competitive racing in 2006 to fully dedicate himself to this unique challenge: driving a road-legal car at racing speeds on the world’s most famous circuits to ensure the safety and order of the race.
At 53 years old, Bernd Maylander remains fiercely committed to his job. Even after a minor crash during practice at the recent Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he skillfully minimized damage by choosing a lateral impact after a brake failure, he continues to show sharp reflexes and experience. In a recent interview with the DPA news agency, Maylander revealed he still holds a contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and is aiming for an extension beyond that, stating: “Stopping has never been an option for me. I have thought many times about retirement, but I still have a contract for 2025 and 2026, and I know I could continue beyond that.”
Recalling his early days in Formula 1, Maylander shares a proud anecdote about introducing himself to the legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen during a drivers’ meeting: “I was proud to be on the starting grid and then suddenly in the drivers’ meeting with superstars like Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, and David Coulthard. I introduced myself simply by saying, ‘I’m the one who keeps you behind!’”
Maylander adds that his favorite races are those where the Safety Car never even leaves the pit lane. “Luckily, I’m not paid by the lap, otherwise I would have lost a lot of money last year, having stayed off track for nine consecutive races. Driving is fun for me, but my greatest satisfaction comes when nothing happens on track that requires my intervention.”
Bernd Maylander’s unique career is a fascinating glimpse into an often overlooked but crucial aspect of Formula 1, showcasing how his steady hand keeps the most talented and fastest drivers in check, ensuring safety and fairness throughout the race.
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