It's there to keep F1 safe, and it can transform a race. The FIA Safety Car is sent out in poor weather or after a crash to protect marshals, drivers and fans. But there's more to it than meets the eye...

Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne explore the secrets of the safety car: how the decision to use it is made, its purpose on-track and how drivers and strategists can gain an advantage when the SC is deployed.

Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer tells F1 Explains about his job and the incredible AMG-Mercedes and Aston Martin he drives. Then, Christian climbs into the driver's seat to see the amazing kit the car has on-board.

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Learn more about F1 with our previous episodes:

How F1 video games are so realistic - with EA SPORTS F124

LIVE in Miami with Guenther Steiner + F1 Explains listeners

F1 race suits, boots, gloves + underwear - with PUMA

F1 brakes - technology + technique - with Brembo + Jack Doohan

The job of an F1 Team Principal - with Aston Martin's Mike Krack

Why F1 teammates are friends + foes - with Valtteri Bottas + Zhou Guanyu

How Formula 2 + Formula 3 prepare drivers for F1 - with Oscar Piastri

F1 Academy - with Susie Wolff + Lia Block

The F1 race start - with Mick Schumacher + strategist Bernie Collins

Behind the scenes on Drive to Survive - with Exec Producer James Gay-Rees

Why F1 pre-season testing matters - with Mercedes, McLaren + Alpine

How F1 teams build their new cars - with Aston Martin Technical Director Dan Fallows

Experience Formula 1 live this season
Tickets for races in Texas, Las Vegas, across Europe and around the world are available now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seats