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 Spanish Grand Prix:

"A Formula 1 grand prix grid is a special place, full of excitement and anticipation at the imminent race, heaving with mechanics, media, VIPs, sponsors et al, and at the centre of all the fuss the drivers and their cars.

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"With the Spanish event heralding the F1 circus's arrival back to Europe, the number of grid attendees rockets compared to the first four long-haul 'fly-away' races, making a shot such as this one all the more relevant.

"To really show the crowded nature of the grid, I used a 15mm 'fish-eye' lens, mounting the camera on a monopod so as to afford the birds-eye view.

Feeling akin to a fisherman, I raised the camera high and swung it over the Red Bull as Mark Webber climbed from the car, firing the camera's shutter with a remote cable and release.

"Of course one cannot see the shot being taken so, while being careful not to get myself in the all encompassing view, I guessed at the correct angle and squeezed the trigger.

"It's a simple idea but one that really gets across just what an intense place the grid can be."

Camera: Canon EOS1DS Mark3; Lens: 15mm 'Fish-eye'; Exposure: 160th sec @ F/13

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