Why Formula One® Is Not the Sport for Spectator Photographers
You’d be better off photographing F1® lego than real F1®.
This is a post I never thought I’d write, because I love Formula One®. I’ve attended races and I genuinely believe F1® is one of the most impressive live sporting spectacles on the planet.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth - Formula One® is not the place for photographers, especially spectator photographers.
And it’s something I feel needs saying clearly, because I’m asked about it frequently.
“Do you run F1® photography workshops?” - I often get asked whether I run workshops at Formula One® events, particularly at Silverstone. The answer is always the same: No - and it would be a complete waste of time and money.
From a spectator’s perspective, F1® is one of the most restrictive, controlled, and photography-hostile environments you can attend. It is not worth your money if you plan to attend as a spectating photographer, especially the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The Equipment Rules Alone Kill It
Let’s start with the obvious: the equipment restrictions.
Most F1® circuits enforce extremely strict rules on camera gear. Long lenses are either outright banned or heavily policed. Even when something is technically allowed, enforcement is inconsistent and security staff have broad discretion. You can turn up with a setup that was allowed last year and be turned away this year.
Silverstone, for the F1® in particular, is notorious for this. The result? You’re forced into compromises that make meaningful motorsport photography almost impossible.
Visibility: Fences on Fences on Fences
Even if you do get your camera (and lenses!) through security, the visibility is quite frankly brutal.
High fences.
Double fencing in some areas or a barrier, then a fence.
Blackout panels deliberately placed to block sight lines.
Angles designed for crowd control, not photography.
You spend more time trying to find a gap in the fencing or fighting crowds than actually watching the cars. Plus, with so many different ticket types, who knows where you can and can’t stand these days! There are so many rules and restrictions it feels more like being back at school! And you’ve paid through the roof for the experience too (which is a whole other topic!).
Access Is Tightly Controlled (By Design)
F1® is a hospitality and broadcast-first sport. Unless you can afford hospitality, it is best experienced via Sky Sports F1. Unfortunately, nowadays attending an F1® race is primarily designed for those buying and experiencing hospitality. Those are the people who really matter to the F1® circus.
Everything at the circuit itself is tightly managed:
Strict ticket zoning (General Admission, General+, grandstands, hospitality).
Heavily controlled movement between areas.
Security everywhere.
No flexibility once you’re inside.
From a photography standpoint, that lack of freedom is fatal. You can’t chase light, angles, or moments. You’re boxed in -literally and figuratively. Your creativity is stifled and forced into non-existence.
The Honest Advice I Give Everyone
If you’re a photographer looking to improve your motorsport work, Formula One® is not where you should be investing your time or money.
You are far better off attending:
Smaller national series.
Club racing.
GT events.
Historic motorsport.
Endurance racing.
These events offer:
Better access.
Fewer restrictions.
Far better photography learning opportunities.
Chances for real creative freedom.
You’ll come away with stronger images and a better understanding of motorsport photography than any F1® race you attend.
Love F1®? Go as a Fan
Here’s the irony: despite everything I’ve said, I still love Formula One®.
Which is exactly why, if I attend an F1® race in the future - especially Silverstone - I wouldn’t even take a camera. I’d go with my family and enjoy the experience. I’d go purely as a fan. I’d soak in the atmosphere, the speed and the show. I’d enjoy the racing instead of fighting fences, rules and frustration.
Final Thought
Formula One® is slowly moving towards an anti-photography stance - it’s just not built for spectator photographers. I don’t think I’ve spoken to a single photographer who has attended an F1® race with photography in mind and come away raving about the experience or the images.
If your goal is to learn, create and actually enjoy your motorsport photography - F1® is simply not the place to be. Spend your time, money and energy attending another form of motorsport, where you can make real progress whilst enjoying far better access and often, lets be honest - better racing!