First time at the formula 1: imola 2024

My first F1 event, and what an experience.

After following Formula 1 for more than 14 years, to finally step foot on one of the sport’s most historic race tracks, was a defining moment. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, also known as Imola, had been absent from the Formula 1 calendar for several years. However, with its recent return and the 2024 race marking the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s untimely death at the 1994 Grand Prix, I knew I had to be there.

Despite this being a personal visit, I couldn't just sit and watch the cars go around. My goal is always to create the best content possible, wherever I am. So, I set up in the grandstands opposite the paddock with one intention - to capture panning shots of the cars as they hit top speed along the pit straight. A task easier said than done.

The race was fairly uneventful, given the tough overtaking nature of the track - however, Lando Norris charged at Max Verstappen during the closing laps of the race, coming to within a nail-biting 0.5 seconds of the dutchman as they crossed the line. While the grandstand echoed with cheers for Lando lap after lap as he closed in on Max, it was the mighty Tifosi who were the chorus of the day, rallying behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc as he secured third place.

Leaving the track that day, I carried with me a deeper appreciation for the sport I love, and a burning desire to come back and shoot more.

All images shot on the Canon R5 + RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.

Check out Rob’s professional F1 photography here.