Safety car driver not eyeing retirement yet

Although now into his 40s, Bernd Maylander said he has no immediate plans to step back as F1’s full-time safety car driver.

Formerly a race winner in the DTM series, the now 41-year-old has been the safety car driver since 2000.

Asked by the Kolner Express newspaper if he has started to think about retirement after 13 seasons in the pitlane, Maylander answered: "It’s funny, because in the last two years I have been getting that question more and more often.

"The clock is ticking for all of us, but basically I can do the job for a few more years.

"I still feel fit enough to do all the travelling and to drive cars at the limit.

"Once you get gasoline in your blood, I see it as a positive addiction," Maylander smiled. "My contracts are ongoing and my partner is also quite happy that I am not at home all the time!"