Czech President Petr Pavel F1 Passion and Surprise Role at Hungarian GP Explained

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel made an unusual appearance at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday-not as a head of state, but as an accredited motorsport photographer.

The 64-year-old attended the Formula 1 weekend at the Hungaroring with full FIA media credentials, spending the day photographing the action from trackside with professional camera equipment alongside Czech F1 photographer Jiří Křenek.

Why was Petr Pavel at the Hungarian Grand Prix?

Unlike official state visits often seen at Formula 1 races, Pavel attended purely to pursue one of his long-standing hobbies: sports photography.

Armed with Nikon and Canon cameras, the Czech president blended in with other accredited photographers around the circuit as he captured Saturday’s on-track action.

His presence drew attention across the paddock, highlighting a passion that predates his presidency.

Petr Pavel, F1 and motorsport photography enthusiast

This was far from Pavel’s first appearance behind the camera at a major racing event.

The former Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee has photographed several prestigious motorsport competitions, including:

• 24 Hours of Le Mans
• MotoGP at Brno
• World Superbike
• NASCAR events in the United States
• Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

Earlier this year, Pavel also attended the 24 Hours of Le Mans carrying his full photography kit.

Photography for charity

Pavel has previously used his hobby to support charitable causes.

His photographs from the 2025 Dakar Rally were exhibited at the National Technical Museum in Prague before being compiled into a photo album that was auctioned for charity.

The initiative raised more than 668,000 Czech crowns (around €30,000), with proceeds supporting children, single-parent families and elderly people.

Fans react to Petr Pavel F1 appearance

Pavel’s appearance at the Hungaroring quickly gained traction on social media, with fans praising the president for pursuing his passion despite the demands of public office.

Many joked about him carrying both Nikon and Canon cameras, calling it “true bipartisanship,” while others applauded how naturally he blended in with professional photographers around the circuit.

Not the first political figure at Formula 1

While politicians regularly attend Formula 1 races in an official capacity, it is rare to see a serving head of state working trackside as an accredited photographer.

In 2025, then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, drivers and senior team personnel at Downing Street ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Pavel’s visit, however, stood out for an entirely different reason-trading diplomatic duties for a camera lens and spending the weekend doing what he enjoys most: photographing motorsport.