Feature

Shutter Speed: 2022 Azerbaijan GP

Although Baku's winding city circuit proves difficult for the drivers, having a castle as a backdrop makes capturing beautiful on-track photography an easy feat.

While the Formula One calendar takes us to some of the most picturesque parts of the world, capturing the glossy AMR22 alongside the Old City makes for some of the most intriguing photographs of the season.

Join Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team and Motorsport Images photographer Glenn Dunbar as he explains the details that created a stunning array of images.

Shot on a Canon EOS R5 using a 100-500mm lens

"As Sebastian lowered himself into the cockpit, I used a 200mm focal length to really isolate him in the picture. This makes the viewer feel they are right there in the action.

"I also love that you can see the Aston Martin logo reflected in his visor."

Shot on a Canon EOS R5 using a 100-500mm lens

"Using the 500mm lens this close to the subject means you can capture really close-up details. This is the right eye of Lance, taken through the tiny gap in the driver's timing screens they put on the car during the session.

"It feels like he's fixing his gaze straight at the viewer, as if he's caught us spying on him!"

Shot on a Canon R3 using a 14-35mm lens

"As far as beautiful backdrops go, Baku is the only track on the calendar with its own castle! The Old City is steeped in history, so it's great to see the composition of a modern Formula One car alongside it.

"In the low light of the afternoon sun, it almost looks like it's out of a fairy tale."

Shot on a Canon R3 using a 100-500mm lens

"I shot the start of the race from the top of the Hilton hotel. This vantage point gives you fantastic views of the whole of Baku.

"For this particular shot, I decided to focus on the collection of apartments that have corrugated iron roofs. I love the contrast between Lance's gleaming F1 car and the old, tired-looking roofs."

Shot on a Canon R3 using a 28-70mm lens

"This one was taken with a staggering shutter speed of 1/64000 seconds! This is what I needed to capture Sebastian at around 230mph down the main straight.

"By using a shallow depth of field, I also managed to reduce the visual nuisance of the metal fence that I was shooting through.

"I purposefully left in the mess on my side of the fence to give a private view of what I see from the photography areas - and also to show just how close the cars are!"

Shot on a Canon R3 using a 28-70mm lens

"Wherever we are, we always try to make use of the features of the track we're at to show how each race is unique.

"Here, Sebastian is walking down from his driver's room before FP1 on Friday. The backdrop places him firmly in Baku and we all love that cheeky smile of his!"