Safety Car Veteran Bernd Maylander Still Gets Nerves After 500 Races

Bernd Maylander, the German safety‑car driver who has led the F1 pack for over 500 races since 2000, still feels a rush of nerves when he takes the front of the grid. Even after two decades and more than 20 of the world’s fastest cars behind him, the adrenaline he describes keeps the job anything but routine.

Why it matters:

• The safety car’s deployment is a race‑control cornerstone; any mistake can affect driver safety and the final result.
• Maylander’s nerves highlight the human factor behind a high‑tech process, reminding teams that focus and experience are still critical.
• His continued nerves also serve as a reminder that safety‑car drivers must train continuously, despite years of experience.

The details:

• 500+ starts under his belt, yet each deployment starts with a full systems check, radio test and a driver‑like walk‑around of the car.
• When a safety‑car is called, he must catch the race leader, engage the pit‑lane lights and coordinate with his co‑driver, all within seconds.
• He says the best races are those without a safety‑car, but when one is needed it creates a fresh restart that can reshape the battle.

What's next:

Maylander is already preparing for his 501st start, while the FIA reviews safety‑car protocols amid new hybrid and aero regulations. Though technology may evolve, the need for a seasoned driver who can stay calm under pressure remains clear.