Lightning-fast drone tracks Max Verstappen at Silverstone in world first
Newly-released drone footage closely following Max Verstappen as he zips around a wet Silverstone Circuit could be a taste of what’s to come for Formula One viewers as new drone technology promises to take the sport more up close and personal.
A team known as the ‘Dutch Drone Gods’ developed a custom-built drone that managed to keep up with the three-time Formula One World Champion and captured uninterrupted, first-person-view (FPV) footage of Verstappen as he did a full lap at Silverstone in his new Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20.
It took the team more than a year to develop the drone which they say can accelerate two times faster than an F1 car and can reach 300 kmh (186 mph) in just four seconds with a top speed of more than 350 kmh (217 mph).
The pilot navigated the drone with a radio controller while following the flight path through FPV goggles that transmit low-resolution footage giving him a drone’s eye view in real time.
The camera angle is adjusted using a foot pedal as it chases the car around the track capturing footage not previously filmable.
Verstappen said he hopes the technology can be used to follow cars more closely around the track and bring fans closer to the action on race days.
