The highest category of motorsports did not have a camera in the pedals for more than two decades, when Pedro Martínez de la Rosa competed with his Arrows in the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix, but it is a technology that dates back to 1993 , when it was used on Ukyo Katayama’s Tyrrell.
The most recent occasion on which we were able to see such a camera was on an AlphaTauri team shoot at the Misano circuit, when Pierre Gasly climbed aboard the AT03 in the rain.
As part of Formula 1’s ongoing evaluation of new technology and broadcasting techniques, in Friday’s first free practice for the British Grand Prix, Lando Norris carried a camera in that position aimed at his feet.
That gave fans the opportunity to see the young Briton handle the pedals on a flying lap at Silverstone, holding nothing back, in what was the first test of this camera in a modern single-seater on an official weekend. The images were broadcast live during free practice, with the aim of extending this technology to the rest of the grid in the next rounds, although the rain and the lack of activity in FP1 prevented much enjoyment.
“This is driven by the innovations we’ve introduced to our broadcasts to bring our fans closer to the action,” said Formula 1 Director of Broadcasting and Media Dean Locke . “Pilots are completing a number of complex tasks at once at speeds in excess of 300kph, and this camera angle, along with those from the helmet, will help fans understand the challenges of being in the cockpit.”
“Having that on Lando [Norris]’s car at his home race is something we’re very excited about, and we hope his fans, and everyone at Silverstone this weekend, will enjoy that unique sight,” he continued. .
So far this season, Formula 1 has focused on deploying helmet cameras after it endeared itself to the public in the first part of the year, not least in the wake of the fight between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. for victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
New drone cameras were also tested during the Spanish Grand Prix, in an attempt to offer alternative angles from above compared to traditional helicopter shots.
