Speed, Shutter, and Sparks: Capturing My First F1 Race in Bahrain

Diary

Speed, Shutter, and Sparks: Capturing My First Formula One Race in Bahrain

May 5, 2025

When you think of Formula One races, what comes to mind first? Cars racing around the circuit lap after lap. Perhaps you weren’t interested because it seemed repetitive, or maybe the technical aspects of the rules and car settings were too complex to enjoy. My interest in Formula One ignited after watching Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive.’ I must admit, the dramatic elements like tensions between drivers and teams were well orchestrated by Netflix editors—and they nailed it. Marisa and I planned to watch an F1 race in Singapore post-COVID, but we couldn’t manage to watch. This year, we decided to visit our friends in Bahrain and watch the actual F1 race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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This blog usually focuses a lot on Leica gear and some photography tips. How are you supposed to shoot the F1, and is it even possible? Yes, you can, by following a few camera settings, and you’ll get some great photos. Most importantly, practice more on panning shots.

We arrived around 1pm to settle in. The pit lane walk was scheduled from around 2:30 to 4pm, depending on the race. If you’re lucky, you can get close and take photos with the race cars. Engineers are busy around the clock getting things ready. Drivers arrive at the main entrance, where people flock to them for autographs and selfies.

Choice of Weapons

For general documentary shots around the garage before any race, a 35mm to 50mm lens is ideal. Teams will be doing pit stop practice, and you can get really close to the action. The smoke, heat, and sound from the machines create a special atmosphere. I took some shots with my Leica M10-P and APO-Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH lens.

For close-up shots, a 90mm or higher is beneficial. I keep the setting at 1/125 for panning shots. It’s definitely not easy with film, and I opted for a 50mm on race day and a 135mm (90mm f/2 Fujifilm) on an XT5 for some panning shots. Start by following the race car you want to shoot and pan from left to right depending on your position. Try to synchronize your upper body’s rotation to match the race car. You’ll likely get a frozen-in-motion race car; I prefer an aperture at f/4, though I haven’t tried a larger aperture like f/2, which should make everything more blurry. With f/4, the car will be sharply in focus with the background blurring into lines.

It’s fun to practice and play around with this kind of photography. I got some images I really like, including one of Lewis Hamilton racing down the main circuit, sparks flying from his titanium floor. I shot with the Fujifilm XT5 set to auto ISO, f/4, and 1/125. Don’t forget to turn on the car tracking function it makes the difference!

On the creative side, I shot a roll of Reflx Lab 800 film at ISO 800 on my Konica Hexar RF, which allowed me a fairly good shutter speed and took care of the film advancing for me. The stadium was bright enough for 1/125 at f/4 or sometimes f/1.9. I tried shooting with a Dallmeyer Kinematograph 2” (50mm) f/1.9 for some portrait and environmental shots. The swirl effect is intense but unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

The best part was the intense engine sound at the race’s start. Every driver focused on the countdown lights, and the atmosphere was truly one of a kind. Special thanks to my friend for showing me around the circuit and helping me get close to the drivers in person!

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