Czech President Petr Pavel experienced the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix from an unusual perspective, working trackside as an FIA-accredited photographer during Saturday’s Formula 1 action at the Hungaroring. A keen motorsport enthusiast, Pavel joined professional photographers in the designated shooting areas rather than attending solely in his official capacity as a head of state.
The Formula 1 paddock regularly welcomes team principals, drivers, athletes, executives, journalists and celebrity guests. However, finding a national president carrying professional camera equipment among the accredited photographers was a far less familiar sight. Pavel consequently attracted considerable attention during the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Petr Pavel works trackside as an F1 photographer
During Saturday’s running in Hungary, Petr Pavel worked alongside experienced motorsport photographers, most notably Czech photographer Jiří Křenek. Equipped with professional photographic gear, the Czech president documented the Hungaroring weekend from the areas reserved for accredited media personnel.
Pavel held a press pass and approached the assignment like a genuine reporter, capturing the on-track action directly from the photographers’ positions around the circuit. His presence was therefore more than a conventional institutional appearance or ceremonial visit.
Although Pavel was welcomed by Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, he spent part of his visit behind the camera. The unusual role allowed him to experience the Grand Prix from the same close trackside perspective as the professionals responsible for documenting Formula 1 weekends.
Czech president has a long-standing passion for motorsport
Petr Pavel’s appearance as a Hungarian GP photographer was another demonstration of his strong interest in motorsport. He had previously attended MotoGP and Superbike races at Brno, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
His interest extends beyond simply watching major events. Photography has enabled the Czech president to record his motorsport experiences personally, producing images that have subsequently been used in exhibitions and charitable projects.
Petr Pavel uses motorsport photography for charity
Some of Pavel’s photographs have been displayed publicly, including at exhibitions held at Prague’s National Technical Museum. His work has also supported fundraising initiatives, giving the president’s enthusiasm for racing and photography a wider social purpose.
In 2025, Petr Pavel raised just under €30,000 for charity by auctioning an album featuring his photographs from motorsport events. His appearance among the accredited photographers at the Hungaroring continued that connection between public service, racing and photography during a weekend that produced plenty of drama in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
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