Petr Pavel Worked Hungarian GP as Photographer

Czech President Petr Pavel spent the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend at the Hungaroring with full camera gear and official FIA accreditation, photographing Formula 1 as a working professional rather than attending as a VIP guest.

Reports from the circuit said Pavel was already shooting during Saturday’s sessions, working alongside Czech F1 photographer Jiri Krenek and taking pictures of drivers both on track and around the paddock. The distinction mattered because heads of state are usually seen at races in ceremonial roles, but the coverage around Pavel’s visit stressed that he was there to work with a camera.

That made his welcome at the track by FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem an unusual backdrop to the weekend. Pavel arrived as a sitting president, but the focus of his appearance was his role behind the lens.

The reports described the 64-year-old as a long-time motorsport-focused photographer whose portfolio stretches well beyond Formula 1. Earlier this year he traveled to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his camera equipment, and over the years he has also photographed MotoGP and World Superbike at Brno, NASCAR in the United States, and the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

One account said Pavel meets Formula 1 accreditation requirements to work at events as a professional photographer and spends his vacations doing that across F1 and other motorsport categories. His work has also moved beyond the circuit itself. Some of his photographs from the 2025 Dakar were exhibited at Prague’s National Technical Museum, where they highlighted an event at which he supported Czech competitors.

His photography has also had a charitable impact. Last year, Pavel auctioned a photo album of his work and raised nearly €30,000 for organizations supporting children, single parents, and elderly people, giving his motorsport work a public role that now extends far beyond an unusual paddock appearance at the Hungarian Grand Prix.