President of Czech works as trackside photographer at Hungarian GP

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel surprised many Formula 1 fans after attending the Hungarian Grand Prix in an unusual role, not as a visiting head of state, but as an accredited trackside photographer.

Rather than watching the action from the VIP hospitality areas, Pavel spent Saturday around the Hungaroring carrying professional camera equipment and working alongside Czech motorsport photographer Jiri Krenek.

Wearing an official FIA photographer’s bib, he blended in with other media personnel, with many only realising his identity after photos of him at work circulated online.

The Hungarian Grand Prix is not the first major motorsport event where Pavel has pursued his passion for photography.

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Over the past few years, he has photographed several high-profile competitions, including the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, MotoGP and World Superbike races at Brno, the 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, and NASCAR events in the United States.

His photography has also earned recognition beyond the racetrack.

Images he captured during the Dakar Rally were displayed at Prague’s National Technical Museum, while a photo book featuring his work was auctioned in 2025 to raise about 30,000 euros for a Czech charity supporting children, single parents, and elderly people.

Before becoming president, Pavel served as chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, one of the alliance’s highest-ranking military positions.



FKA/JKB

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