safety car

noun

Nautical.

1. life car.

Word History and Origins

Origin of safety car¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

As Verstappen built his lead, through an early virtual safety car period caused by a collision between Williams' Carlos Sainz and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, Norris tried in vain to pass Leclerc, with Hamilton in close attendance.

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The crash brought out the safety car for five laps and after the restart Verstappen was tracked by Russell, who made a bold move into Turn 12 on lap seven, a late dive that ended up with both going off the track.

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The race ended under another safety car after Aston Martin's Lance Stroll T-boned Esteban Ocon's Haas into the first corner, leaving his team with a massive repair job on both cars in the gap before grand prix qualifying at 22:00 BST.

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Had McLaren stopped Norris first and then there had been a safety car during the lap before Piastri stopped, then that would have put Piastri ahead.

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McLaren unconventionally pitted Piastri before Norris as they left their pit stops late in the race in the hope of a safety car that could give them a chance to attack Red Bull's Verstappen.

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