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Czech Republic president attends Hungarian GP... as a photographer
Czech Republic president attends Hungarian GP... as a photographer
Ever wondered what world leaders do in their free time? For Czech Republic president Petr Pavel, the answer is sports photography - and he's particularly passionate about motorsport. This weekend, he's attending the Hungarian GP with a full photography kit - and an official FIA accreditation. He arrived at the Hungaroring for Saturday's sessions and was already taking pictures, accompanied by Czech F1 photographer Jiri Krenek.
This wasn’t the first time he was seen at a major motorsport event as a hobby photographer. Most recently, Pavel travelled to France in June to attend the Le Mans 24 Hours, once again equipped with full camera gear.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn fact, the former NATO Military Chairman has attended several races on both two and four wheels over the years. Within the Czech Republic, Pavel covered the MotoGP and World Superbike events at Brno, while he has travelled as far as the US and Saudi Arabia to photograph NASCAR and the Dakar Rally respectively.
Petr Pavel, President of Czech Republic and Photographer at trackside
Some of the photographs he took at the 2025 Dakar event, where he also supported Czech competitors, were put on display at the National Technical Museum in Prague.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLast year, he also raised nearly 30,000 euros for a charity dedicated to children, single parents and the elderly by auctioning a photo album.
While it is unusual for politicians to attend races purely for leisure, several leaders regularly appear at major motorsport events in their own countries.
Last year, then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, drivers and senior team figures at a reception in 10 Downing Street ahead of the British GP.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPhotos from Hungarian GP - Sunday
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team
Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, Petr Pavel, President, Czech Republic
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementValtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Peter Fox / Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMax Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Peter Fox / Getty Images
Lawrence Stroll, Owner, Aston Martin F1 Team, Gary Gannon, Senior Race Engineer, Aston Martin F1 Team
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Flavio Briatore, Alpine
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMark Thompson / Getty Images
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team; Franco Colapinto, Alpine; Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team, Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Alexander Albon, Williams
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team; Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Clive Mason - Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFranco Colapinto, Alpine
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lando Norris, McLaren
Clive Mason - Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Lando Norris, McLaren
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAndrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Michael Potts / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren
Michael Potts / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAttila Kisbenedek / AFP via Getty Images
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