In English: How do onboard cameras work in Formula 1?

The broadcasting of Formula 1 relies on a production service located in London, which constitutes the world’s largest remote broadcasting center. This system is responsible for sending the images to the media, such as Canal+ in France, in order to broadcast the races on television. Based in the British capital, this production center plays a key role, but in order to do so, it must first receive the images from the Grand Prix itself.

Formula 1 captures images from 120 camera feeds, placed on or inside the 20 cars. This does not include other cameras placed in the pits, around the track, and in the helicopter. Each video undergoes processing before being shared with broadcasters in the form of a “broadcast”. From the start of the Formula 1 opening credits, London takes control of the provided images, ensuring consistency in the shots broadcasted by all media worldwide.

Where are the onboard cameras located

The use of onboard cameras in single-seaters is mandatory, with a total of five cameras, including two located on the top of the vehicle and three positioned on the chassis and nose. A dedicated department is responsible for the management of these cameras, taking care of the production and technical improvements of the image sensors. Their work also includes strengthening the hardware to ensure resistance in case of accidents, thus avoiding complete system destruction. In addition to their involvement in technology for Formula 1, this department exports its advancements to Formula 2 and Formula 3.

One of the cameras faces the pilot. It is integrated into the base of the halo and has been implemented since the installation of this safety feature.

Above the front and rear safety hoop

Above the roll hoop, we find a streamlined black appendage for the first driver of the team, and fluorescent yellow for the second driver. This appendage actually serves as a transmission antenna for the images, and the FOM has integrated two cameras into it. One pointing forward, the other pointing backward. This is the camera used most of the time when you play Formula 1 video games.

At the front wheels

Just behind the front suspension, at the level of the monocoque, there is usually another camera. These elements are not for aerodynamics, but rather for integrating sensors.

In front of the cockpit, the 360.

In front of the cockpit, we find this little sphere. It’s actually a 360 camera that films in 360 degrees and can send live images to the processing room. However, it requires post-production processing before it can be used. That is why you will never see it live. Indeed, this camera does not rotate on its own. It consists of several sensors that allow filming without any blind spots and are assembled in post-production.

Bonus: in the helmet and the stabilized camera

For several races, F1 has been bringing other solutions. This notably includes the micro camera integrated into the driver’s helmet, usually on the side, inside the padding of Bell helmets specifically, as this camera is developed by Racing Force group and not by F1. This is the reason why you never see the inside of Max Verstappen’s cockpit, as he drives with a Schuberth helmet.

Finally, in the last few races, especially on circuits with banked turns, Formula 1 has introduced a stabilized camera that offsets the tilt. It is located in an appendix on the side of the cockpit.

How does an onboard camera work?

Concretely, the onboard camera is placed in a box and consists of several parts. The image is captured by a lens located at the top right of the device. A sensor is integrated to convert the image into a readable format for production. Once the image is converted, it is formatted into a signal and transmitted by an antenna located on the camera. Another antenna (called SES) on the circuit receives the signal and transmits it to production. In total, there are 45 SES on a circuit.

To ensure image quality, a neutral type photo filter is integrated in each of the cameras, complemented by a graduated opaque filter. This way, it improves the exposure of the lower part of the image, centered on the cockpit, while making the sky less prominent with a darkening effect. This technique naturally directs the viewer’s attention downwards.

Equipped against moisture and dirt

The cameras are equipped with a special system to adapt to all circumstances. Faced with rain and splashes, the designers have worked on a humidity sensor. When this issue is detected, the F1 employees in charge of monitoring the onboard cameras press a button. A signal is then sent to the system, activating a mechanism that pulls a film in front of the lens. In total, 4 meters of film are integrated to ensure the smooth running of the weekend. In case of dirt issues, the same process is used.

The cameras are equipped with 4 meters of integrated film in preparation for the weekend. However, the department takes a cautious approach by restoring its systems every Saturday evening to avoid any issues during the Sunday race. This proactive measure ensures the cameras’ reliability and optimal performance, guaranteeing seamless coverage throughout the event.

In motorsport, accidents are among the main risks. With this issue, the onboard camera department is working on the durability of these prototypes, as well as improving the image quality. Despite the accidents in races, the department does not systematically change the onboard cameras installed on the respective single-seater.

The dissemination of images

One part of the production is entirely dedicated to the management of onboard cameras. This service retrieves the signals received by the cameras for each driver and takes care of managing priorities and broadcasting scenes that seem to be related to spectacle and interesting to follow for viewers. Through the same waves, they also receive telemetry data and the radio communication of the different teams. In this room, performance data (speed, steering wheel position, etc.) is also processed to be added to the onboard camera video.

Note that each TV also has its own control room and cameras that they are allowed to use during the event with a secondary feed. Thus, we sometimes see Canal+ interviewing a driver who has retired, using their own cameras, while F1 takes care of broadcasting the Grand Prix footage.