Czech President Petr Pavel attended the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in the unusual role of a motorsport photographer, according to reports from outlets including Motorsport.com, ESPN, and Le Figaro. Pavel, a known enthusiast of motorcycles and international racing events who has previously visited the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, captured trackside images over the weekend with guidance from Czech photographer Jiří Křenek.
International Media Attention at the Hungaroring
The presence of a sitting head of state working behind a camera lens drew notice from sports media worldwide. According to coverage by Motorsport.com’s Italian edition, ESPN, and French publication Le Figaro, Pavel’s sideline credential offered a rare vantage point for a political leader. During the race weekend, Pavel met with prominent motorsport figures, including FIA President Muhammad bin Sulajim, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
Comparing Motorsport Photography Venues
Speaking in a post-race interview with F1sport and Deník Sport, Pavel reflected on his experiences across different racing disciplines. When asked if the Hungarian Grand Prix was his biggest event from a photographic standpoint, Pavel told F1sport and Deník Sport, “To be honest, I wouldn’t say that.” He added, “The most attractive one for me so far has been the Dakar, but after all, F1 simply has its own charm… plus there are Formula 2, 3, and the Porsche Cup racing here, so I would say it’s very colorful here. You can take a lot of beautiful photos and there are a lot of interesting people.”
Did you know? Czech President Petr Pavel has a history with two-wheeled and four-wheeled motorsport, having previously attended the MotoGP round in Brno, the Dakar Rally, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a guest and photographer.
Race Outcome and Fan Allegiances
The race at the Hungaroring was won by McLaren driver Lando Norris. Asked by F1sport and Deník Sport whom he was cheering for, Pavel laughed and recounted a conversation with a colleague from Nova, explaining, “I said today, when my colleague from Nova asked me, that I have my grandson here and my grandson is a fan of Lando Norris, so I said I will root for Lando like my grandson, and it worked out.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Czech President Petr Pavel at the Hungaroring?
According to Motorsport.com and ESPN, President Petr Pavel attended the Hungarian Grand Prix in the role of a motorsport photographer, guided by Czech photographer Jiří Křenek.
Which other racing events has Petr Pavel attended?
Pavel has previously attended the Dakar Rally, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the MotoGP event in Brno as a guest and photographer, according to reporting by F1sport and Deník Sport.
Who won the race where President Pavel worked as a photographer?
Lando Norris won the race at the Hungaroring, a result that aligned with the rooting interest Pavel adopted for his grandson.
Join the Conversation
What do you think of political leaders engaging in sports media and photography? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore our other motorsport features.
Worth a look