Kym Illman
@KymIllman
Followers
33K
Following
521
Media
2K
Statuses
3K
F1 accredited photographer capturing the behind the scenes of Formula One. Follow for daily F1 content and insights. https://t.co/bPPibaZW7t https://t.co/N4zvlbNqus
Joined July 2009
FRANCO'S FAVOURITE SNACK!. Franco Colapinto loves these sweet treats from his home country, Argentina. He offered me a taste. I thought it was a bit like a shortbread biscuit. I gave it 6 out of 10. Maybe next race I will bring him some Australian snacks to try. Franco Colapinto
252
590
10K
Lewis Hamilton enters the paddock for the first time as a Ferrari driver. He was the second driver in the Bahrain paddock this morning, and to my surprise wearing Ferrari team kit. His arrival was preceded by his trainer Angela Cullen, who was there early delivering breakfast for
50
361
8K
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT. Logan Sargeant, the first driver in today, was named as the driver of a white Mercedes last race that had nudged a bollard in the Barcelona drivers’ car park. Channel 4 commentator and ex-F1 racer, David Coulthard, had a dig at Logan stating that
54
356
8K
A VERY HAPPY FRANCO. Colapinto was the subject of much attention from the media upon his arrival to track today. This is his first time driving the Alpine on track, with just five races to show the team what he can do before they make a decision on the reminder of the season.
63
338
6K
ICYMI | F1 fans OUTRAGED with Montreal GP organisers after a disaster weekend for fan experience. It's safe to say the Canadian GP was a nightmare for many fans who attended over the weekend. But this one takes the cake. General Admission fans found themselves a spot on the
261
367
4K
A BIT OF FUN.Franco Colapinto came through the paddock with some of his favourite drink, mate. While he was there I spotted some interesting stickers on his flask, he stopped to talk me through a few of them!.Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube en español @kymillman_ES para ver mis
35
235
4K
JAMES IS NO “MATE” FAN.Franco Colapinto was adamant that James Vowles should taste his favourite drink mate. Mate is an Argentinian herbal tea and you can see here James’s reaction to the taste. I don’t think he will be rushing out to buy some. I tried it and was not a fan
75
188
3K
Here are the McLaren and Ferrari boys heading to the Friday night drivers' briefing. Could one of these drivers claim pole position today? . #CanadianGP #F1 #charlesleclerc #oscarpiastri #landonorris @Carlossainz55
18
56
3K
FRANCO FIRES UP THE FANS. Thousands waited in front of the garage after the race for the Argentinean driver. He spent many minutes out there with them, despite being told on numerous occasions to shut it down by Formula 1 staff. Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube en español
26
151
3K
Here is Oscar Piastri’s picture of me. As you can see, his focus was on the F1 signage resulting in it being super sharp and me being blurry. That’s an easy thing to do with cameras these days and we should not judge him on this one performance. With some training, he will
20
82
3K
A BIT OF FUN. Franco Colapinto came through the paddock with some of his favourite drink, mate. While he was there I spotted some interesting stickers on his flask, he stopped to talk me through a few of them!. Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube en español @kymillman_ES para ver
31
189
2K
NO SHORTS TODAY. The weather report is in, and it is definitely cold and wet today!. #AustrianGP
5
85
2K
PADDOCK CAMARADERIE. Here is one of the Alpine crew rushing to help their colleagues at McLaren during today's fire. The response from fellow teams in the paddock shows that despite intense rivalry on the track, everyone is willing to help when needed!. #SpanishGP
2
89
2K
FAN FAVOURITE.Franco Colapinto has arrived into the paddock this morning, for what will be his first day on track for Alpine. Of course, he is sharing reserve driver duties with Paul Aron this year. Subscribe to my Spanish YouTube channel @kymillman_ES to see my latest F1 videos
38
118
2K
NEW CAR INCOMING. Red Bull crew raced to their storage unit to grab a new monocoque. They will be working feverishly into the night to get the car ready for Yuki tomorrow. Photo books: every driver, every race, featuring 24 stunning images in a hard cover, hard page book - KYM’S
24
312
2K
You won’t get two nicer guys than these in the F1 paddock. #gpf1 #f1 #formule1 #formel1 #formula1 #racing #DanielRicciardo @RicciardoBrazil #McLaren.@LeclercNews #essereFerrari #RussianGP #Charles16 @Charles_Leclerc @McLarenFamily
16
70
2K
HOLA FRANCO.Franco Colapinto, bubbly as ever, heading to Alpine to perform his reserve driver duties on race day. Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube en español @kymillman_ES para ver mis últimos videos de F1 doblados al español con IA de alta calidad #francocolapinto #f1news
26
83
2K
A POPULAR MAN. Franco Colapinto has been the subject of much media attention during his arrival to track over the last few days, and I can't see that interest diminishing. Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube en español @kymillman_ES para ver mis últimos videos de F1 doblados al
11
71
2K
FRANCO TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA.Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto will be at the opening race of the year in Melbourne this week and travel to China while Paul Aron handles simulator work at the factory. Paul will then swap with Franco for the next race or two as the pair
22
71
2K
HE’S ILL 🤒. Lando Norris was smiley with this selfie seeker, however, he’s still not feeling 100%. You might remember last week during the race, he said he was coughing a lot. Today he appears to be suffering from perhaps a cold or flu. Many of you no doubt will wish him a
22
63
2K
Lando Norris was the first driver to arrive in the paddock this morning. Lando will drive the PM sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and the AM on Friday, while Oscar will get behind the wheel in the AM on Wednesday and Thursday and the PM on Friday. #f1 #formula1 #signedprints
1
63
2K
FASHIONABLE ARRIVAL. Lando Norris arrived on a motorbike this morning. He was wearing this Quadrant leather jacket, with accompanying helmet. Quadrant is, of course, Lando's motorsport brand. Last time Lando arrived in partnership with Quadrant was ahead of the Japanese Grand
16
108
1K
NICE WHEELS. Lando Norris arrived to the track today in this LB-Kaido Works Nissan R32 Skyline, which you may have seen all over social media yesterday. This is part of a collaboration between Lando's Quadrant brand and Liberty Walk, a Japanese car customisation shop. Head to
4
126
1K
VALE EDDIE JORDAN. Having been diagnosed with cancer last year, Eddie Jordan has passed away aged 76. He was a much loved member of the F1 community and he will be missed.
15
52
1K
A WEEKEND OFF. Franco Colapinto signs an Argentine shirt some fans who have made the journey to this weekend's race. Franco will not be making the journey to Japan as Ryo Hirakawa will be taking part in FP1. Suscríbete a mi canal de YouTube en español @kymillman_ES para ver mis
18
89
1K
Checo Pérez took on one of the locals in a game of connect four in the paddock and won. I don’t often see the Mexican driver full of joy but he clearly enjoyed this challenge. #f1 #formula1 #belgiangp #checoperez
19
101
1K
OSCAR SHOOTS ME!. This morning Oscar Piastri grabbed one of the team’s social media guy’s cameras and had a crack at photographing me photographing him. I’ll be interested to see that picture at some point if indeed he pressed the shutter button. #CanadianGP #F1
4
43
1K
SHANGHAI FREIGHT DELAYS!. As a result of aircraft technical issues in Melbourne, a number of teams have not received freight for the Shanghai Grand Prix. Normally this would arrive on a Monday evening but as of now, teams have not received vital race freight with many not
18
100
1K
MCLAREN ON FIRE. The McLaren hospitality suite has been evacuated after an electrical fire in the suite. Firemen are now trying to control the situation but getting water from the mains has proved tricky. #SpanishGP
10
14
1K
OOOOH BIG STRETCH. Here is your 2024 Spanish GP pole sitter arriving at the track!. #SpanishGP
6
36
1K
Lando Norris was the first driver I saw arrive into the paddock this morning, on this clear sky day, with temperatures around 22 and 23 degrees. Despite taking to the afternoon sessions for the last two days, it will be Lando in the McLaren for this morning’s session. #formula1
1
55
1K
IT'S OFFICIAL.Lewis Hamilton's physio/trainer/performance coach Angela Cullen is back for season 2025! I caught up with the popular New Zealander outside the Bahrain International Circuit picking up a parking pass for Lewis accompanied by Lewis' head of security. Angela was in
5
50
1K
11
43
1K
LEWIS IS HERE. Lewis Hamilton arrived into the paddock this morning, and he was one of the first drivers to do so. He was followed in by various camera crews, for what will be his first European race weekend in red. Photo books: every driver, every race, featuring 24 stunning
2
45
994
HISTORY MADE IN MIAMI!. Last year in Miami, Lando Norris made Formula 1 history when he beat Max Verstappen to the chequered flag, securing his maiden F1 victory. It was one of the most memorable days I’ve experienced while shooting Formula 1, having witnessed nearly all of
4
86
860
G'day Oscar!. I didn't miss him today, so here he is front and centre!. #F1 #formula1 #spanishgp #oscarpiastri
0
21
843
Drama packed #AusGP so far, what a quali session, with @Charles_Leclerc on Pole. @LeclercNews #Charles16
2
59
797
GOOD FRIENDS. Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, or Carlando as they are known to fans, stopped to engage in a quick chat as they made their way to their respective hospitality suites. This pair are often seen laughing together, and are good friends off track too. Send this post to
3
47
808
I can say with absolute 100% confidence that one of these guys is now #F1 World Champion 🥴🏁🏆👍
18
25
716
MISSING CARS HERE!. Eight cars from the four teams were missing from yesterdays garage lineup at midday, delayed after aircraft went technical. Those cars were delivered late afternoon and teams worked well into the early morning to prepare them for today. More in my YouTube
5
46
758
MAN OF THE FANS!. Lando Norris stops to sign a young fans race suit in the paddock here in Shanghai - both walking away with big smiles on their face! The paddock here in Shanghai is a great opportunity to meet your favourite driver with very few fans being present on the
0
32
739
2ND PLACE. It’s a leisurely start with driver arrivals today in Spielberg. The second driver to enter the paddock was this man, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. He took a couple of minutes upon arrival to change his shoes, as he wanted to wear the team sponsor’s shoes in.
2
17
709
Charles Leclerc arriving in the new Ferrari colours. The jackets are definitely a darker shade of red in comparison to last year, as is the car. #f1 #formula1 #bahrain #Forumula1testing #charleslecrec #scuederiaferrari
3
31
709
Nicest Guy in the #F1 paddock ?.Fastest Guy in #Motorsport ?.All we know is, he's got #FrenchGP pole 👍
3
53
678
🇬🇧🏁It finally happened! @LandoNorris, wins one of the most popular, and well deserved 1st #F1 #GrandPrix WIN!!!!! 🏆 😄😀😂 🏆
8
29
683
REUNITED!. Former teammates Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were very chatty with each other during today's drivers' parade. The pair had a very good relationship at Ferrari but are now at opposite ends of the paddock. For A3 prints, hand-signed & numbered by a range of
1
57
654
A McLaren Win & Double Podium, what an amazing Monza GP!! . #DanielRicciardo @RicciardoBrazil #McLaren #LN4 #Lando #LandoNorris @LandoUpdates.#GP @McLarenFamily #F1 #formule1 #formel1 #formula1 #ItalianGP
6
74
603
Super Mario. Here is Pirelli's @Mario_Isola rushing to help out with the McLaren hospitality suite fire. #SpanishGP
1
26
613
Respect the Jorts.
The jorts are definitely a choice, Kym.
4
3
606
McLaren Fire Update. At present, the McLaren hospitality suite is off limits to all but the fire crews as they investigate the fire that took hold in the kitchen around noon. In short, it was an electrical fire in the ceiling of the kitchen and everyone, including me (I was
8
30
601
THE NEW BULL. Red Bull's newest driver was a very popular man as he entered the paddock this morning dressed in his new team kit. Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the main seat from VCARB after the Red Bull heirarchy decided to make the call to switch him with Liam Lawson. It's a
2
47
593
HAND IN HAND . Carlos Sainz arrived into the paddock this morning with his girlfriend, Rebecca Donaldson. He had a good session in FP2 going 5th fastest, he will be hoping to improve on that today. Photo books: every driver, every race, featuring 24 stunning images in a hard
1
58
586
Yes Boyz! - @McLarenF1 @LandoNorris celebrates Pole with his former teammate @Carlossainz55 VAMOS! . #McLaren #LN4 #Lando #LandoNorris @LandoUpdates.#GP @McLarenFamily #F1 #formule1 #formel1 #formula1 #RussianGP #CarlosSainz
5
60
564
Another great win for Championship Leader @Charles_Leclerc at a jam packed #AusGP. @LeclercNews. #Charles16
2
40
565
PADDOCK STORM DAMAGE. #mclarenF1 can’t take a trick. Having just got their fire-damaged motorhome repaired in time for the Silverstone race, yesterday the roof was ripped off by storm winds. It was ripped off on Monday night as well. And a large video screen at the entrance to
3
34
570
This guy will not rest! @Carlossainz55 back in the paddock after having his appendix removed. #F1 #Ferrari #SaudiArabianGP
15
45
560
GLASSES FOR NORRI. Heading back from the fan zone this morning, Lando Norri was presented with a pair of sunglasses from a fan with his first name above the right lens and his last name above his left. #LandoNorris #f1 #formula1 #spanishgp
2
17
540
13
29
524
VERY POPULAR. Yuki Tsunoda was a very popular man as he arrived this morning, chatting away on his mobile phone as he walked through he paddock. This is a paddock Yuki will become quite familiar with in the coming years, as the track has been granted an extension until 2041. For
13
47
554
LANDO'S ON FIRE. Lando Norris will start tomorrow's Spanish GP from pole, pipping Max Verstappen by 0.020s!. Despite McLaren's off-track woes, Lando was unfazed and fired his McLaren to the top of the list. The top three will be Norris, Verstappen, Hamilton. #SpanishGP
8
15
527
2
8
511
Prior to the Imola GP, Ferrari made the decision to replace Charles Leclerc's long-time race engineer Xavi Marcos with Bryan Bozzi. Ferrari named 'organisational reasons' as the motive behind the move. Bozzi's communication with his driver thus far has been highly praised, and
0
45
505
HAPPY CHARLES.Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is in the paddock today, casually dressed and with a beaming grin. He will be hoping for a good weekend and season for his Ferrari team. For A3 prints, hand-signed & numbered by a range of drivers/team principals head to
0
23
496
A GOOD STEP FORWARD. Yuki Tsunoda makes his first Q3 appearance as a Red Bull driver, which is a good step for the Japanese driver in his second race weekend at the main team. He will start P10 in tomorrow's GP. Photo books: every driver, every race, featuring 24 stunning images
2
36
491
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS @ausgrandprix . What a great day for #Ferrari and @Charles_Leclerc. at the sell-out #AusGP. @LeclercNews #Charles16
5
40
459
LANDO IN GOOD SPIRITS!. The McLaren driver arrived with quite the entourage this morning, sporting McLaren x Rhude shorts. He had the longest walk of anyone in the paddock today because only one driver is permitted to enter from the other end and it’s not Lando!. For a new
4
17
485
Franco Colapinto has OFFICIALLY replaced Jack Doohan! .#f1 #formula1 #f12025 #f1news #f1drivers #formel1 #jackdoohan #francocolapinto #alpine.
21
13
467
4
24
442
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS.Lando Norris was ambushed with champagne during the McLaren post-race celebration, but he was all smiles after winning the first race of the 2025 F1 season. Oscar Piastri joined in with the celebrations, as the team looks to defend its WCC title. For a new
2
18
462
Professionals at work 😍. Here is Fernando Alonso being interviewed by journalist, and girlfriend, Melissa Jimenez for the Spanish broadcaster DAZN. When inside the paddock, the pair conduct themselves with immense profession. #CanadianGP #f1sprint
6
24
444
SEBASTIAN DOING THE DIRTY WORK . It’s one thing to wear a slogan on a T-shirt, it’s another thing to back it up by collecting rubbish in the grandstand on pit straight last night. Not only was he getting his hands dirty, his manager Britta Roeske was helping out. @sebvettelnews
4
30
428
@FormulaAnon You’re not wrong, the public appetite for my Wives n Girlfriends videos is unbelievable (1million views min). Check out the past 4 yrs WAGS videos on my YouTube channel and for pics and BTS stories from every GP live from the track head to Instagram @KymIllman.
9
6
429
A FLAWLESS DRIVE. Oscar Piatsri, on his 50th Grand Prix, wins the 2025 Bahrain GP. He drove incredibly well today, leading from the start to the chequered flag. For A3 prints, hand-signed & numbered by a range of drivers/team principals head to #f1
4
13
448
FP1 Session will not resume #LasVegasGP two cars damaged - Ocon's and Sainz damaged chassis
14
36
423
A WELCOME RETURN. Liam Lawson was welcomed back to the VCARB team in the paddock this morning with Team Principal Laurent Mekies and a number of VCARB team members greeting the young New Zealand driver as he returns to the team after 2 races with Red Bull. For a new F1-related
2
33
447
P4 for @PierreGASLY what a great performance so far in Zandvoort! #FullGas. #GP #F1 #formule1 #formel1 #formula1 #DutchGP #pierregasly #gasly @AlphaTauriF1
2
13
428
HAPPY LANDO. A welcome smile from Lando Norris on arrival this morning, he looked a bit down yesterday when he arrived. Maybe it was the sheer number of people clamouring for a selfie with him, if so that's understandable. Head to to order one of my mini
0
18
425
HE IS OK. Yuki Tsunoda returns from the medical centre to the paddock, where he will speak to the media, following his turn 6 crash in Q1. For A3 prints, hand-signed & numbered by a range of drivers/team principals head to #f1 #formula1 #signedprints
8
58
423
Scary few moments for @Carlossainz55 whilst the car kept on rolling backwards, whilst the flames grew.
10
41
407