GRR

Video: The mad view from the F1 heli-cam

03rd July 2020
Laura Thomson

Who has the best seat in the house to every Formula 1 race, and works just as hard as the drivers themselves?

Aerial Camera Operator Lievan Hermans holds the honours, taking to the skies every race weekend to operate the Shotover F1 camera system, a six-axis gyro stabilized platform.

Under the direction of the feed directors, he follows the races from incredible angles, alternating between wide panning shots and brilliant close-ups. And while he makes it look easy, it is anything but, with Hermans having to account for numerous factors, including the cars’ speed, any head or tail wind and other weather factors, as well as communicating with the pilot and race control. And that’s not to even mention operating the camera itself, when the helicopter pilot is manoeuvring as if he’s part of an air display…

He joins the drivers on practice day, perfecting the lines and shots for the upcoming weekend, and curating the incredible sky-high views that Formula 1 is known for. Bravo!

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The howl of the Ferrari 333 SP’s V12

  • F1

  • Elevenses

  • Video

  • F1 2020

  • 2020

Explore the latest additions to our Revival collection

SHOP NOW
elevenses-martin-brundle.png

Formula 1

Video: F1 driver vs supercar collection

08th December 2020

old-zandvoort-onboard-video-nissan-gtr-nismo-wolfgang-reip-goodwood-30042020.jpg

Formula 1

Video: How to lap the fast, blind and scary old Circuit Zandvoort

30th April 2020

williams-f1-team-logistics-video-goodwood-09122020.jpg

Formula 1

Video: How F1 races from place to place

09th December 2020

f1-helicopter-camera-video-goodwood-03072020.jpg

Formula 1

Video: The mad view from the F1 heli-cam

03rd July 2020

ferrari-f2008-imola-elevenses.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Ferrari F1 2008 Imola

30th October 2020

onboard-a1gp-team-brazil-2009-elevenses.jpg

Formula 1

Video: An onboard lap of the bonkers Portimao circuit

23rd October 2020

march-f1-monza-onboard-elevenses.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Six minutes of howling '70s V8 heaven onboard

30th September 2020

max-verstappen-onboard-zandvoort-f1-red-bull-video-goodwood-05032020.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 hot-lap of the new, finished Zandvoort

05th March 2020