Feature

Shutter Speed: 2021 São Paulo Grand Prix

When it comes to atmosphere and ambience, there are few circuits on the Formula One calendar that can match the passion and flair of Interlagos. Shutter Speed returns to showcase this unique event with a behind-the-scenes look at our weekend in Brazil.

This week, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team and Motorsport Images photographer, Zak Mauger, shares his five favourite images from the 2021 São Paulo Grand Prix, and explains the finer details that underpin each shot.

Shot on a Canon 1 DX Mark II with a 50mm lens

"I took this picture on race day and it shows the final moments before Sebastian gets into the car and drives to the grid. A driver in a balaclava, moments before the race, is a classic shot

"I like the concentration in his eyes and the fact that his helmet is included in the shot. It's usually tucked away, but this time he put it on the table in front of him. It's rare to get an image like that."

Shot on a Canon 1 DX Mark II with a 24mm wide-angle lens

"The bottom half of the grid at Interlagos is very cool. The grandstand starts from around 15th place downwards and all the fans chanting makes for an incredible noise. It's a very passionate atmosphere and I wanted to try to include that in this picture.

"In this shot, Lance is arriving on the grid and the mechanics are working on his car, which shows the team element of Formula One. Because it was a sunny day the lighting was nice, and I like how the Number One Mechanic is framed at the front of the car on the jacks."

Shot on a Canon 1 DX Mark II with a 50mm lens

"This photo has a very shallow depth of field, so the foreground is blurry, but this increases the sharpness of Lance's eyes and the AMR21's steering wheel.

"I was in two minds about whether I should include the steering wheel or not, but its presence is quite nice as it means your eyes bounce between Lance's eyes, the wheel, and back to Lance. It also gives the driver's perspective in the cockpit, showing just how low down the car sits."

Shot on a Canon 1 DX Mark II with a 24mm wide-angle lens

"The camera was pretty much on the floor when I was taking this one. We didn't have any sunshine on Friday, so when the sun came out on Saturday morning, I wanted to capture a nice shot of the car leaving the garage.

"This image shows the transition of the car entering the pitlane from the garage, and I like how the high contrast between the sun and the shade depicts that transition."

Shot on a Canon 1 DX Mark II with a 70-200mm lens

"This image shows Sebastian's second pitstop of the race, and I used a slow shutter speed to create a sense of speed and show the motion of the pitlane.

"I kept Sebastian and the car sharp but the mechanics blurry to show just how fast a pitstop is and how quick drivers pull into the box with all of the crew standing around."

Thanks to Zak Mauger for sharing his passion and creative talents: #IAMCREATIVITY.

Discover more of Zak's photography on his Instagram: @zackarymauger.