Interview with Vladimir Rys: from his lenses, an anti-conventional point of view on Formula 1

BARCELONA – The Formula 1 Circus is a traveling microcosm made up of an incredible multitude of professionals: specialized at the highest levels in their sector, they carry out the most disparate activities, starting from the basic ones within a team, to taking care of the organization of each race weekend, allowing the correct execution of the event, passing through the press.

In this last category, we find, among others, a small group of photographers, elites in the motorsport sector, who give the world evocative images of every detail during race weekends: one of the most unconventional and appreciated is Vladimir Rys.

Born in Prague to a Czech father and a Greek mother, he collaborates closely with the Red Bull team and has been a regular presence in the Circus for over a decade, with his decidedly particular shots, an unmistakable style, which has led him to be one of the most influential photographers of current Formula 1.

 

ADM: How did you start working in Formula 1?

VR: “I started shooting in basketball and football, thanks to my great passion for these sports, and in 2005 my boss asked me to cover a Formula 1 race, thinking that my style could adapt to that type of sport .

I accepted without being too enthusiastic because, apart from a few images on TV, I had never been interested in motorsport: I knew the myths like Ayrton Senna or Michael Schumacher, but I wasn't following closely.”

 

ADM: And now you have been a regular presence in Formula 1 for over a decade: what won you over?

VR: “Melbourne 2005, my first race: the sound of the engines, the power, the smell of petrol: it took very little to fall in love with it.

I like working in F1 because there are many types of shots possible: portraits, details, panoramas, all seasoned with a great variety of climatic conditions and therefore light.

Furthermore, over the years you learn every secret of the circuits, knowing where to shoot from and at what times, you work better and better: the downside is the strong risk of repetitiveness, so every time the challenge is to think of something new and translate it into images different from year to year.”

 

ADM: Which circuits do you prefer?

VR: “I love shooting at Monza: it's a historic circuit and I really hope it resolves the problems with Ecclestone!
Then there are many tracks that offer great opportunities for taking beautiful images, such as Monte Carlo, Singapore and Spa; perhaps a track that offers few ideas is Silverstone, where characteristic elements are essentially missing, except for the new structure recently built: in any case, the history of F1 was made there so it is always a pleasure to return there.”

 SEE THE PHOTOS OF VLADIMIR RYS

ADM: Are there any others outside the current calendar?

VR: “Without a doubt I would say Imola! Everything is very beautiful there: the track, the altimetric variations, naturalistic elements around, the city just a stone's throw away, the great passion of the fans.

I know that I could also find similar conditions at Mugello, but I haven't had the opportunity to work on that track yet, I hope to be able to do so soon."

 

ADM: Let's talk about your work with Red Bull Racing

VR: “I started in 2007: Getty Image was the official agency of the Red Bull team and I was included in their working group in F1: I tried to represent Formula 1 as it appeared in my eyes and from Milton Keynes they appreciated my style and it all started from there.”

 

ADM: It is no coincidence that your style, so particular, combines perfectly with Red Bull's image policy, not only in F1 but in all the categories in which it is involved.

VR: “Yes, it's possible. Looking at the RB12 that is here in front of us (seen from the press room of the Montmelo circuit, ed.) I really like this new matt paint and I can't wait to be able to try different light conditions: who knows how it will look in Singapore with the artificial lighting!”

 

ADM: What relationships do you have and have you had with the RB pilots? Do you have any anecdotes about Sebastian Vettel?

VR: “Yes, many stories and small events, but I don't know if I can tell them! (smiles, ed.)

Certainly, in addition to his obvious leadership skills, he is a good guy, with a very strong character and knows how to interact with the team to maximize the performance of his entire work group: a true leader who wins you over.

He arrived in F1 when he was very young and I remember that when I went to photograph him he was always smiling and available, he joked with everyone: we worked side by side, each in his own sector, for a very long time, but I preferred never to cross the "line red” with him. There is no physical contact, pats on the back or anything like that, we are bound by great respect but there is no friendship: I think this is important because it could then influence my work, so I prefer that everything stays like that."

 

ADM: And speaking of the current ones?

VR: “The current drivers, Daniel and Daniil, are two very smiley guys: you know this side of Ricciardo well, but I assure you that Kvyat also knows how to have fun at the right moments.

In general, my relationship with the pilots is always aimed only at an image and in this way there is respect for the roles and no interference in the work of both."

 

 SEE THE PHOTOS OF VLADIMIR RYS

 

ADM: To close, is there a particular character in the Circus with whom you have, or could have in the future, a relationship outside of F1? Something that could bring a friend closer?

VR: “F1 is a very competitive world, at all levels and tasks, and the ego of the protagonists often prevents the birth of true and sincere friendships: furthermore, the high turnover among drivers, mechanics, operators and media, often does not offer enough time to appreciate the talents of people, as well as professionals.
In any case, if I had to think of a person in particular, I think Sebastian Vettel could be one of these, without prejudice to what was said previously, so perhaps at a time when we no longer find ourselves working in the same environment."

 

We thank Vladimir Rys for his availability

To take a look at his shots…  www.vladimirrys.com

 

 

Alessio De Marco

Follow @Alessio_DeMarco