The TRUTH about WORKING IN FORMULA 1!

What a year on the road really looks like

Working as an F1 photographer means the calendar is your calendar, not your life. In a typical year I spend more than 220 days away from home, visit over 22 countries, take 60-plus flights and sleep in more than 38 different beds. There are 24 races across 21 countries, plus pre-season testing and a handful of double and triple headers. That cadence shapes every decision: which flights to book, which hotels to secure, and how to move a mountain of camera gear from one continent to the next without losing a lens or a lot of money.

Accreditation, access and the paperwork that matters

To photograph on the grid and inside the paddock you need FIA accreditation. Once you work a sufficient number of races you can earn a permanent media pass, and that changes everything. A permanent pass grants entry to every race without pre-booking, grid access before the race, a desk in the media centre, catering for the weekend and, crucially, parking inside the media area.

The logistics side isn’t glamorous: visas, customs and travel documents are constant. I travel with two passports when possible, keep an APEC business travel card to speed immigration in some countries, and use a carnet for camera equipment when required so customs can inspect gear without charging temporary import taxes.

Planning a season: refundable fares and the calendar rhythm

Planning starts the moment the calendar drops. Wherever possible I book refundable flights and hotels. Why? Plans change, schedules shift and sometimes prices drop. Refundable bookings let you rebook more cheaply if needed without losing the whole cost of a weekend.

For back-to-back events I typically fly on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, arrive midweek, grab a few hours to film or photograph the host city, then settle into the media centre on Wednesday or Thursday. For long-haul trips from Western Australia I sometimes arrive a day earlier to manage jet lag and equipment checks.

Flights, frequent flyer strategy and clever ticketing

Flight costs are a major part of the budget. Frequent flyer points are a real help. I split loyalty between two alliances so I can credit different flights depending on airline and routing. Points get used for premium cabins on the long sectors, saving money and keeping you rested.

Smart routing and combining tickets can lead to big savings. Round-the-world fares are excellent if you can be flexible. Another trick is buying separate return fares on different segments and timing them so you clear customs and recheck in during a long layover. It adds a step, but can trim thousands of dollars compared to a single through-fare.

How I choose flights and when I say no

Use Google Flights to spot routing and pricing discrepancies, but dig deeper. A deal that routes through an unfamiliar online agent can be risky. If the price difference looks too good to be true, it often is. Balance price with reliability— delays or long enforced layovers cost more than a slightly higher ticket.

Hotels: proximity beats luxury most weekends

The single most useful hotel feature is how close it is to the track. When you only get a few free hours a day, saving an hour each way is worth dozens of dollars. For race weekends I book the main race nights (Wednesday to Monday) and add cheaper nights later if needed. Some hotels in key locations never release rooms on the general market so relationships with hotel staff matter.

I use loyalty programs and booking sites that give a free night after a number of stays. But I always price-check direct bookings. Room rates vary wildly between cities—expect anywhere from low-budget rooms to the very top end in locations with extreme demand for race weeks.

Ground transport and working with drivers

Local logistics depend on the city. I stick to major rental brands to avoid queues and unknown fees. Often I’ll take a taxi to the hotel and collect a rental in the city office to save a day’s rental and the slow airport queue.

In cities where parking inside the media area is essential, I use trusted local drivers who can park in the media car park using my pass. In other places the hotel arranges transfers directly so charges go straight on the bill and there is less chance of being overcharged.

Camera kit: packing, insurance and avoiding customs trouble

Most camera gear travels in a carry-on Think Tank bag so I always have the most important equipment with me. On smaller aircraft I decant essentials into a smaller soft bag and check the rest with tracking devices. At tracks there are media centre lockers and everything travels with AirTags for an extra layer of security.

Insurance is non-negotiable. I carry two different policies and I avoid wearing expensive watches in higher-risk locations. A carnet protects you from local import taxes on professional gear; without it some countries may impose temporary duties or complicated paperwork.

Visas, carnet and the practical admin

Visas need to be tracked months ahead. The FIA helps with requirements for many race destinations, but you still need to act early. Sending a passport off for a visa while keeping another passport for travel is a common tactic. Countries that often require visas include Azerbaijan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and China.

A carnet documents temporary imports of professional equipment and makes border crossings smoother. It is worth the paperwork for the peace of mind and to avoid unexpected taxes at customs.

Staying connected and managing communications

Reliable data and a backup phone are essential. I travel with two phones so if one is lost or stolen I can continue working. Using eSIMs or local data plans avoids the time sink of buying physical SIM cards at each stop. On long-haul flights I prioritize airlines that offer reliable inflight internet so I can file and upload immediately after a race or test session.

Final practical tips

• Book early for hotels near the circuit; popular properties disappear fast.
• Prioritize proximity over five-star luxury when time is limited.
• Use loyalty points for long-haul premium cabins to stay rested.
• Carry essential kit in the cabin and tag everything for tracking.
• Maintain local contacts for drivers and hotel relationships; they save time and stress.

FAQ

How many races and countries are typically in an F1 season?

Modern seasons often run 24 races across roughly 20 to 22 countries, with pre-season
testing and a mid-season break. That schedule can mean more than 200 days on the road.

Do photographers pay for their own travel and accommodation?

Freelance photographers usually cover flights, hotels and cars themselves. Accreditation
costs for media passes are typically handled by the sanctioning body, but travel is on
the photographer unless contracted or sponsored.

What is a carnet and why do I need one?

A carnet is a customs document used to temporarily import professional gear without
paying duties. It simplifies inspections at borders and prevents being charged import
taxes when you leave a country.

How do you balance cost versus convenience on flights?

Balance reliability, layover duration and total travel time against price. Points and
strategic routing can save money; refundable fares reduce risk. Sometimes spending
more for a direct or premium seat is cheaper in lost time and fatigue.

What are the best tips for keeping camera gear safe?

Carry core equipment in cabin bags, use trackers, lock cases when checking, maintain
insurance policies, avoid wearing flashy items in higher-risk locations and use media
centre lockers at events.