Why Czech Republic President Petr Pavel Is Photographing Formula 1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Czech President Petr Pavel attended the Hungarian Grand Prix as an FIA-accredited sports photographer, continuing his long-standing passion for motorsport photography. The former NATO Military Committee chairman has previously photographed Le Mans, MotoGP, NASCAR and the Dakar Rally, with some of his work even displayed in a Prague museum.
While most world leaders spend weekends attending official engagements, Czech Republic President Petr Pavel has chosen a different pursuit. The former NATO Military Committee chairman attended the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend as a sports photographer, arriving at the Hungaroring with a full camera kit and official FIA accreditation to capture the Formula 1 action.
Pavel was seen photographing Saturday's track sessions alongside Czech Formula 1 photographer Jiri Krenek. The appearance reflects a long-standing personal interest in motorsport photography, a hobby he has pursued at major racing events both in the Czech Republic and abroad. Lando Norris Wins F1 Hungarian GP 2026; McLaren Driver Holds Off Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli for Successive Victory at Hungaroring.
Czech President Petr Pavel Attends Hungarian GP as Sports Photographer
The President of the Czech Republic spends his vacations being a professional photographer for F1 and other motorsports.
Petr Pavel has full media credentials and is just there for the love of the game. pic.twitter.com/nXmMIuEGV4
— Pubity (@pubity) July 26, 2026
The coolest president in the world. Petr Pavel, the president of the Czech Republic, yesterday at the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring. pic.twitter.com/Lr23pzhFea
— Maverick Fella (@RPMaverick75) July 27, 2026
Why Czech President Petr Pavel Is Photographing Formula 1
The Hungarian Grand Prix is not Pavel's first appearance at an international motorsport event with a camera. In June, he travelled to France to photograph the 24 Hours of Le Mans, again carrying professional photography equipment. Over the years, he has also covered MotoGP and World Superbike races at Brno in the Czech Republic.
Beyond Europe, Pavel has attended NASCAR events in the United States and photographed the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia while supporting Czech competitors. F1 2026: Malaysia to Host Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang.
Some of Pavel's photographs from the 2025 Dakar Rally were later exhibited at the National Technical Museum in Prague, highlighting his work beyond public office. His photography has also been used for charitable causes. Last year, he auctioned a photo album that raised nearly €30,000 for charities supporting children, single parents and elderly people.
Although it is uncommon for serving political leaders to attend racing events primarily as hobby photographers, motorsport has often attracted the attention of senior political figures.
Ahead of last year's British Grand Prix, then UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, drivers and senior team representatives at 10 Downing Street, reflecting the sport's growing profile.
Pavel's participation at the Hungarian Grand Prix, however, stands out because he attended not as a dignitary, but as an FIA-accredited photographer pursuing a long-held personal interest.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 07:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
