Summary
- Petr Pavel photographed the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring
- He held official FIA photography accreditation
- He used both Canon and Nikon camera equipment
- He worked alongside Czech Formula 1 photographer Jiří Křenek
- He has previously photographed MotoGP, the Dakar Rally, Le Mans and NASCAR
- His Dakar photographs have been exhibited in Prague
Petr Pavel temporarily stepped away from his presidential role once again to stand on the front line of a major motorsport event, this time as an accredited Formula 1 photographer.
The Czech President appeared at the Hungarian Grand Prix, held from July 24 to July 26, 2026, at the Hungaroring in Budapest, wearing a photographer’s vest and capturing the action from positions alongside the circuit.
His presence was more than an unusual appearance by a politician at a sporting event. It continued his well-established connection with photography and motorsport, which has already taken him to MotoGP, the Dakar Rally and other major racing events.
Officially accredited at a Formula 1 race
Petr Pavel arrived at the Hungaroring with a complete photography kit and official FIA accreditation, giving him access to the areas used by professional race photographers.
He attended and photographed both Saturday’s sessions and Sunday’s race, which was won by Lando Norris for McLaren.
The Czech President worked only a few metres away from the cars while accompanied by members of his personal security detail. The sight of a trackside photographer with a dedicated security team quickly attracted the attention of Formula 1 fans on social media.
He was also seen in the pit lane speaking with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, the governing body that oversees Formula 1.
Working alongside photographer Jiří Křenek
During the race weekend, Pavel was accompanied by Czech Formula 1 photographer Jiří Křenek.
The pair photographed the cars from trackside positions, following the same procedures and safety restrictions that apply to other accredited professionals.
The President’s equipment also became a subject of discussion, as he was seen using cameras and lenses from both Canon and Nikon. Photographers and Reddit users humorously commented on his decision to combine two rival camera systems.
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He previously photographed MotoGP at Brno
This was not the first time Petr Pavel had gained access to a major motorsport event as a photographer.
In July 2025, he attended the MotoGP Grand Prix at Brno, arriving at the circuit on a motorcycle and photographing the action with a Canon EOS R5 and a telephoto lens.
His appearance was not classified as an official presidential visit. His spokesperson explained that Pavel had attended as part of his private activities, while circuit representatives said that the organisers had allowed him to experience the work of Grand Prix photographers at close range.
During that visit, he moved between different areas of the venue, entered the VIP zone and sat on one of the prototype racing motorcycles.
His photographs from the Dakar Rally
Petr Pavel’s interest in motorsport photography had also become evident during the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
The Czech President travelled to the event as a spectator and photographer to follow and support Czech competitors. He even chose to stay in a tent, like many ordinary spectators attending the rally.
The images he created were later displayed in an exhibition at the National Technical Museum in Prague.
At the exhibition’s launch in March 2025, he described motorsport as a fascinating world and said he was pleased not only to watch it, but also to document it and share it with others. He also expressed the hope that his photographs would bring audiences closer to the beauty and difficulty of legendary races.
Pavel has also photographed events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and NASCAR races, while a photographic album containing his work has been sold at a charity auction.
The photographs remain absent from Instagram
Despite the publicity surrounding his appearance at the Hungaroring, Petr Pavel had not published his photographs from the Grand Prix on his personal Instagram account.
That decision reinforces the impression that he photographs primarily out of personal interest rather than to promote the activity through social media.
The Czech President is not the only head of state to have shown an interest in photography. Franklin D. Roosevelt is believed to have been interested in the photographic arts, while Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck occasionally shares his own photographs through official channels.
What we think
Petr Pavel’s presence alongside professional photographers demonstrates a genuine relationship with photography that goes beyond an occasional public appearance. His willingness to work trackside with accreditation, heavy equipment and the same safety restrictions highlights both the demands of motorsport photography and the medium’s ability to connect people with completely different public roles.
Frequently asked questions
Which race did Petr Pavel photograph?
He photographed the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the Hungaroring in Budapest from July 24 to July 26, 2026.
Did he have official photography accreditation?
Yes. He appeared at the circuit wearing a photographer’s vest and holding official FIA accreditation, giving him access to areas used by professional photographers.
What camera equipment did he use?
During the Grand Prix, he was seen using equipment from both Canon and Nikon. At the 2025 MotoGP event in Brno, he photographed with a Canon EOS R5 and a telephoto lens.
Has he photographed other races?
Yes. He has photographed events including MotoGP, the Dakar Rally, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and NASCAR races.
Has his photography been publicly displayed?
Photographs he captured at the Dakar Rally were exhibited at the National Technical Museum in Prague, although he had not yet shared his Hungarian Grand Prix images on Instagram.
