He’s not a racer or a team member, yet he follows the entire Formula 1 circus around the globe. Bas van Bodegraven is the man who turned a hobby into a life mission, allowing thousands of fans to enjoy his adventures. “This is the best thing there is,” he says.
For eleven hours leading up to the Dutch GP, Bas van Bodegraven stands at the entrance of Circuit Zandvoort, streaming non-stop on his YouTube channel. Eleven hours! The expected convoy of F1 team trucks doesn’t show up, and only the occasional solitary trailer trickles in. “I thought: nobody’s going to watch this. And yet, thousands of people stayed tuned in. Try filling that time,” laughs Van Bodegraven. That day, a spontaneous livestream grows into a mini-event.
‘Everyone always says: have a nice holiday’
This example illustrates Van Bodegraven’s passion and precisely explains why his tens of thousands of fans keep returning to watch his videos. He gives you the feeling that you’re right there with him. In addition, he is the driving force behind the #GoMax fan club and Bas van Bodegraven Travel, known for the campsites for Dutch F1 fans. “To make your hobby your profession, that’s the best thing there is,” he proudly says during a conversation at his camper.
Like a pair of nomads, Van Bodegraven and his wife Ingrid follow the Formula 1 circuit around Europe in their camper. They are away from home for months at a time, managing financially through sponsorships, ticket sales, savings, and income from their vlogs. “Everyone always says ‘have a nice holiday’ when we leave, but this is of course just our job,” says Ingrid with a laugh.
Members of the Max Verstappen fan club during a race… (Photos: Bas van Bodegraven)
