Inside Formula 1 – A Motorsport Photographer’s Journey from Grassroots to the Global Stage

Working in motorsport means living at full speed – constant travel, relentless schedules and moments that unfold in fractions of a second. For Formula 1 photographer, Alexis Perrin the intensity is exactly what makes the role so compelling.

Now working full-time across the season in Formula 1, he covers the championship on behalf of a media outlet while also running his own structure, Overtake Agency. Alongside F1, his agency supports a range of clients and championships, blending editorial coverage with commercial and creative work.

His journey to the pinnacle of motorsport photography was built step by step. Starting with national events and lower categories, he taught himself both the technical and creative sides of photography, gradually progressing to international series.

Before motorsport, his background in esports photography helped him develop an early understanding of fast-paced environments and visual storytelling – skills that now define his work trackside.

Let’s dive into the latest instalment of Industry Insider with Alexis Perrin…

Tell us about yourself, what do you do in your current role and what roles have you done previously?

I’m Alexis Perrin and I’m a motorsport photographer, mainly working in Formula 1. I currently work for a media outlet covering F1 on a full season basis, and alongside that I run my own structure, Overtake Agency, where I also do freelance work for different clients and championships.

Before Formula 1, I started motorsport photography at a much smaller scale, shooting national events and lower categories, learning everything on my own, both technically and creatively.

Over time, that led me to international series and eventually to Formula 1. Even before motorsport, I actually started photography in the esports world, which helped me understand fast paced environments and storytelling very early on.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Passion, Demanding, Creative.

Normal is not a thing in sport so what does an average week look like for you?

There is no real average week, especially during the season.

On race weeks, I am generally away from Tuesday to the following Monday. Wednesday is usually about preparing the weekend, Thursday is media day and track walk, which is very important to better understand the circuit even if I have already been there before. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are race days, but it is not only about the cars on track. There are press conferences, celebrations, illustration images for the press, and a lot of editing happening every day.

Outside of race weeks, there is a lot of work behind the scenes. Editing, archiving, delivering images, managing the agency, preparing upcoming races and creating content for social media and YouTube. It never really stops, it just changes rhythm.

How did you end up where you are right now? When did you know you wanted to work in sport?

I did not have one clear moment where I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. It came progressively. I started taking photos because I loved motorsport, and over time I realised that photography was the way I wanted to be part of it.

I kept pushing, saying yes to opportunities, even small ones, and trying to stay consistent. I think I really understood that this could become my life when motorsport photography stopped feeling like a hobby and started feeling like a responsibility. I have also been playing tennis since I was three years old, so sport has always been a big part of who I am.

What is your number one focus when it comes to your work?

My number one focus is to always try to be better. Whether it is when I am shooting, editing or delivering, I try to optimise everything so that I can be proud of my work at the end of the day.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career so far?

Talent can help you get opportunities, but if you do not go after the opportunities you dream of, they will probably not come to you on their own. You have to fight for them, even if you think you deserve them.

What are you most excited about in the sport industry?

The fact that it is constantly evolving. New audiences, new ways of telling stories, new platforms. Motorsport is changing, and as photographers and creators we have more freedom than ever to show different perspectives, not just the obvious ones.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I would slow it down a little. Everything moves very fast, sometimes too fast to really digest moments. I think there is value in giving more space to creativity and to the people working behind the scenes.

Sport is a hectic industry, what do you do to switch off?

Honestly, I try to disconnect, but I am still not very good at it. I always feel the need to do something. It will probably stay like this until I reach my goals.

If you were to give a piece of advice to someone wanting to do your role, what would you say?

Be patient and be curious. Do not chase credentials, chase experience. Focus on becoming the best person and creative you can be.

How to connect with Alexis Perrin…

You can follow me on Instagram.

As you can see, working at the highest level of motorsport demands more than technical skill – it requires resilience, curiosity and an ability to evolve alongside the sport itself. From grassroots racing to the intensity of Formula 1, Alexis Perrin’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of improvement and a deep respect for storytelling.

As motorsport continues to change, creators like him play a vital role in shaping how fans experience the sport – not just through speed and spectacle, but through thoughtful, human-focused perspectives that bring racing to life beyond the chequered flag.

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