Formula 1 big picture is a feature designed to showcase a side of the sport that is sometimes missed on television.

As well as being dramatic and exciting, F1 is also a sport where beauty is visible at every turn.

Whether it is the curves of the cars, the drama and personality provided by the drivers, or the attractiveness of the setting, F1 is one of the world's most photogenic sports.

Over the last 20 years, Darren Heath has carved a reputation as one of F1's most original photographers.

This is his story behind his image from the Bahrain Grand Prix:

"As with all skilled jobs, photographing a grand prix can often require planning and forethought with careful attention given as to one's plan of action during the race.

"Before the track action gets underway I'll always start the weekend by working out which areas of the circuit, including the pits, to shoot from, with the paramount consideration being the lighting conditions at any given time around the track.

"The obvious culmination in that plan of attack is covering the post-race celebrations.

"Certain F1 drivers, much like many top sport stars, develop a trademark victory salute and none do it better than Ferrari's new main man. Bearing this in mind, I decided to go for something a little different, stepping away from the throng of lensmen and hoping that a great shot would result.

"As Fernando Alonso's Ferrari came rolling into the number one position in parc ferme, things looked good. They got a whole lot better when Fernando stood and accepted the adulation of his team and fans lit by a shaft of warm, late-afternoon Arabian sunlight."

Camera: Canon EOS1DS Mk3; Lens: 600mm; Exposure: 640th sec @ f/4

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