Video: F1 at Assen: Is this the ultimate F1 onboard?

26th August 2024

Simon Ostler

We once published a video here on GRR showing a Toro Rosso ST1 with its screaming V10 engine setting a lap record at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands, and it was quite alarming to see a Formula 1 car sent at very close to full tilt around a circuit never meant to contain such a beast. The driver was Ingo Gerstl, and he’s been at it again, but this time we’ve been provided with what has to be the coolest POV view of an F1 lap we’ve ever seen.

The clarity of this camera angle first and foremost is immense, and it makes for a crazy experience as you soak in the sense of speed, which is phenomenal. Then there’s the physicality, which you really can discern as the camera, and the driver’s head, jerks forward on every gear shift, bouncing around constantly and then forcing us back into the engine bay as he accelerates from each corner. Our hearts were racing after watching this, God knows how the real thing feels, but this may well be as close as we ever get to finding out.

Let’s take a moment as well to appreciate the talent and bravery of the driver behind the wheel, because it’s no mean feat to lap this quickly in a car this fast on a track like Assen. There’s a lot of speed being carried around here, and even with the large run off areas you wouldn’t want to make a mistake. It’s a bit more open than Goodwood, but still not designed for F1 cars.

Video: V10 Toro Rosso F1 car absolutely flying around Assen

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We’ve watched this video courtesy of Rick van Barnevald about 18 times so far, but it’s still not getting old. F1 needs to find a way to make these cameras meet safety regulations so we can watch the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at work.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Video: This V12 De Tomaso P72 is everything your ears dreamed of