Formula 1 big picture is a feature designed to showcase a side of the sport that television cannot always portray.

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

This is Darren's story behind his latest image:

"What must Michael Schumacher be thinking?

"The seven-times world champion looks ill at ease as he faces the probing questions of the (mostly) British journalists in the Mercedes motorhome after he had qualified 15th for the European Grand Prix, his worst performance since he returned to F1.

"It's a symptom of modern day Formula 1 that these tightly controlled media gatherings are - apart from the pre-race grid - just about the only chance an F1 photographer has to shoot drivers close up.

"Schumacher has always been pretty good prey when it comes to facial expressions.

"As we all know, he doesn't want for confidence, always fixing his gaze squarely at his interrogator, so as to make them think long and hard about asking that difficult question.

"But weakness and self-doubt are two emotions he rarely lets show.

"Like all sports stars, though, Schumacher is only human. So for the patient lensman, the key is being ready.

"In the 10-minute time slot, he smiled, frowned, looked mildly annoyed, all the while concentrating hard on looking as unruffled as possible.

"Then, for one split second, he dropped his guard."

Camera: Canon EOS1DS Mark 3; Lens: 200mm; Exposure: 1/50 sec @ f/2.8

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