This is the speed of the FPV drone equipped with a video camera

In other sports, such as skiing, it has been known for a long time: drone images that are close to the action and broadcast the events. After about a year of tinkering, a few Dutch drone pilots have now managed to further develop the technology for the fastest sport of all: Formula 1.

The “Dutch Drone Gods” – in collaboration with Red Bull technicians – have developed an FPV drone with a built-in camera that can keep up with the speed of Formula 1 cars. They tested this first-hand with three-time world champion Max Verstappen from the Red Bull Racing Team on the Silverstone race track Traditional in Great Britain. The images are a little sensation for Formula 1 fans, because unlike the previous usual images, you can now feel the real pace, acceleration and braking in Formula 1 for the first time.

The fastest FPV drone with a video camera

The FPV drone created during the project was completely self-built, says its pilot, Ralf Hoogenberk, known as “Shaggy FPV.” He is one of the founders of “Dutch Drone Gods” and has been flying FPV drones since 2014 – so he was one of the first. Together with his team, he has now developed a drone that can keep up with Formula 1 cars at speeds of around 350 kilometers per hour. Red Bull Advanced Technologies engineers helped improve aerodynamics and save around ten percent of weight, making it technically possible.

Hogenbirk, Verstappen and the new drone in front of the RB20.Photo: www.redbullmediahouse.com

According to Hoogenberg, the drone is the fastest FPV drone with a video camera in the world – zero to 100 in two seconds, and zero to 300 in four seconds. For comparison: The maximum speed of a commercially available drone is about 60 km/h and the battery lasts for about 30 minutes at this level of operation. On the other hand, a Formula 1 drone battery only lasts for three minutes.

Brilliant pilot performance

Not only is the drone a masterpiece, but its pilot Shaji also provided his flight: not only did he have to be able to keep up with the three-time Formula 1 World Champion who knows the road inside and out, he also had to be with the drone. Maneuvering under bridges at full speed. The high-speed device is controlled via a remote control and the pilot wears special glasses through which the drone's live feed is played – hence the FPV or 'first person view'. The camera angle is adjusted at the same time using a pedal. This means that the Dutchman must have a level of hand-eye coordination comparable to that of a Formula 1 driver himself. Even for an experienced FPV specialist like Ralf Hoogenberk, this was a completely new challenge in terms of turning, acceleration and deceleration. Before the flight, he trained in the simulator.

Ralf Hoogenberk also known as “Shaggy FPV” with his drone control equipment.Photo: www.redbullmediahouse.com

Verstappen was impressed

Racing driver Verstappen, who was followed by the drone, expressed his admiration after the experience. He said he was surprised that she approached him after watching the videos. He did not notice her while driving.

In recent years, we have often seen the same footage of Formula 1 races, but this drone could change that in the future, predicts Verstappen. “These drones can provide great images, especially on certain curves, because they can stay very close to the car.” It will be very exciting to finally be able to show that to people.

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