When Red Bull Racing arrived at South Africa’s Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, the production demanded aerial footage that could keep pace with the raw speed and intensity of a Formula 1 car. Patriot Films and Iconic Agency brought in Darkwing Aerials to deliver exactly that, combining cutting-edge drone technology with expert piloting under incredibly tight constraints.
Creative Vision and Preparation
From the very beginning, it was clear this shoot would be a massive challenge. Director Sam Coleman’s detailed storyboard laid out a clear creative vision: capturing dynamic, cinematic sequences that matched the power and speed of the F1 car.
But with only 12 laps allocated for filming, there was zero room for error or retakes. We had to prepare meticulously, building the fastest FPV drone possible within a tight timeframe. After countless tests, we achieved a top speed of 210 km/h, enough to keep up with the F1 car on the track.
Technical Setup: Two Drone Teams and a Helicopter
To meet the demands of this high-pressure shoot, we deployed two dedicated drone teams. One team focused on flying the DJI Inspire 3, providing smooth, cinematic wide-angle shots with its full-frame camera and ProRes capture. The other team operated high-speed FPV drones, including a custom-built racer and a Red Komodo Cinelifter rig, to capture immersive, close-range footage impossible with traditional rigs.
Adding to the complexity, a helicopter was tracking the F1 car simultaneously. Flying drones safely alongside a helicopter required rigorous safety protocols and risk assessments. On the first day, the helicopter’s down draft created unpredictable flying conditions, with debris swirling and making it extremely challenging to keep eyes on the drones.
Challenges at Kyalami Circuit
Kyalami is a world-renowned F1 circuit with sharp corners, long straights, and dramatic elevation changes. Coordinating multiple aerial platforms in this fast, technical environment demanded flawless communication between teams and perfect timing.
Each drone team only had two flight windows to capture all their footage. The stakes were high: the limited laps, combined with changing weather and chaotic flying conditions, left no margin for error.
Safety and Risk Management
Flying FPV drones just meters from a Formula 1 car at racing speeds is inherently risky. Our entire team prioritised safety throughout the shoot, from pre-flight planning to real-time coordination.
The presence of the helicopter added another layer of complexity. Managing down drafts and unpredictable airflow while maintaining safe distances required constant vigilance. Despite these challenges, the crews maintained full situational awareness and adhered strictly to all safety protocols.
The Final Footage and Team Effort
Despite all the pressure, our teams delivered epic aerial footage that captures the speed and precision of Formula 1 racing. The combination of cinematic wide shots from the Inspire 3 and high-energy FPV drone footage brings viewers trackside, feeling the adrenaline rush of over 200 km/h.
Working alongside Sam Coleman, Werner Maritz, and the teams from Patriot Films and Iconic Agency was an absolute pleasure. Their professionalism and shared creative energy pushed this project to new heights.
About Darkwing Aerials
At Darkwing Aerials, we specialise in high-end aerial cinematography for film, television, and branded content. We combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver visuals that few others can match.
Thank you to Red Bull Racing, Patriot Films, Iconic Agency, and everyone involved for trusting us with this groundbreaking production. It was an honour to be part of this one and will definitely be a project that we never forget!
Check out the full video here: https://youtu.be/8ajKo22vtuc?si=VuWd4og0WHyJm0TW
Need next-level drone footage for your production? Contact us at ceil@darkwingaerials.com