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Suzuka welcomed Formula One for the first race there since 2019, and the history, variable weather conditions and passionate fans were all captured through stunning imagery taken across the weekend.
The Japanese Grand Prix returned to the calendar for the first race since 2019, and its unique rollercoaster-like layout and incredible atmosphere were among the highlights snapped throughout the event.
Join Aston Martin F1 Team and Motorsport Images photographer Zak Mauger as he explains the details behind his favorite shots from the Japanese Grand Prix.
Shot on a Canon EOS R3, 600mm lens
“Suzuka is such a great track for photographers. This is taken as the cars pass under the bridge at the circuit’s figure of eight – something unique on the Formula One calendar.
“Luckily, the sun made a brief appearance during qualifying. This is because you need a bright background to blow out the highlights to create this high contrast, very clean picture.
“It’s achieved by exposing for the shadows to overexpose the highlights.”
Shot on a Canon EOS R3, 24-70mm lens
“I took a few variations of this reflection shot, but I quite like the framing created by the garage doors in this particular image.
“It’s made by lying on the ground, with the help of a polished floor and the colourful, ever-passionate fans in the background.”
Shot on a Canon EOS R3, 50mm lens
“Sebastian had a special helmet for this race to acknowledge his long-time Japanese helmet supplier.
“I just like the simplicity of this shot, helped by his clean design, as he prepares for FP2 in the rain.”
Shot on a Canon EOS R3, 16-35mm lens
“This is taken just after where the cars enter the pitlane, using a wide-angle lens and a fast shutter speed to freeze the car.
“We’re always looking for shots to show where we are and the Ferris wheel, one of Suzuka’s iconic sights, does a pretty good job of that here.”
Shot on a Canon EOS R3, 50mm lens
“I used a vintage 50mm lens here. it renders the out of focus areas in a unique way and is less clinical than modern lenses.
“This is called a ‘bokeh’ effect – with the term aptly originating from the Japanese language.
“I took this at the end of FP2, and I quite like effect the rain droplets on Seb’s visor adds to this photo.”
Shot on a Canon EOS R3, 24-70mm lens
“The fan forum was quite an incredible experience to capture in Japan. Thousands of fans stayed post-qualifying and the whole grandstand was glowing green with the LED lights they were waving around.
“Seb had prepared a few words to say in Japanese, and I like how the spotlight is on him for this powerful image at his final race at Suzuka – his favorite circuit of all.”
Driver debrief by Aramco
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