Formula 1 followers on the British pay-per-view channel Sky Sports have come to rely on the SkyPad, the screen on which expert Anthony Davidson highlights errors and high points during Grand Prix races. He shares the secret behind his work: “Not everyone can do this job.”
In the large selection that Sky Sports sends to every Grand Prix, he, along with Damon Hill, Martin Brundle, and Karun Chandhok, represents the drivers’ guild. Anthony Davidson, known as Ant, is a former F1 driver who knows the ropes. The Brit has been a staple on the pay-per-view channel since 2012. His analyses on the SkyPad provide necessary clarification and depth.
Anthony, a simple question: what is the SkyPad?
“The SkyPad gives fans watching our show at home a chance to take in this sport, where things often happen so quickly, in a calm manner. To be able to look at the details. But also to explain where to look for action on the track if you don’t have a trained eye. That’s what this device allows you to do. And like with any video, you can of course play images slower, pause, rewind and fast forward, and fish out all the highlights.”
Is there anything you can’t do with it?
“I depend on the clips that are made at the base – in London – and sent from there to the SkyPad. In essence, the device actually functions like a phone, where you can adjust your screen and use all the usual mechanisms. The SkyPad is actually a very simple device. You can only play on it what is produced and input in London.”
Do you decide what the viewers get to see?
“Yes, almost all moments come from me. I am indeed essentially the content director. Funny, I’ve never really looked at it that way. I choose the clips based on what I’ve seen on the world feed. And sometimes also from onboard footage that has come by. I am in direct contact with the team in London. Then I say, for example: ‘I want this lap and that corner from this driver’. Then it is sent and I tell the story with it.”
