F1 with Brad Pitt: Relive 1990s Formula 1 in Photographs
Brad Pitt takes audiences back to the intense world of 1990s Formula 1 with the film F1. It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit this legendary decade of rivalries and performances through the lens of Sebastien Desnoulez, who spent 10 years on the ground as a photographer for the DPPI agency. A visual immersion into a mythical era.
A look back at a decade of Formula 1 photography
The release of the film F1 starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem, telling the story of a former driver returning to a failing team, shines a light on a charismatic and intense era: 1990s Formula 1. A decade of upheavals, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable champions. I had the privilege of experiencing these moments up close as a professional photographer for the DPPI agency, specializing in motorsports photography. From 1988 to 1998, I covered the greatest circuits, capturing the faces, machines, tensions, and triumphs that defined this time.
It all started at Spa-Francorchamps (1988)
My journey into F1 began at the 1988 Belgian Grand Prix. The lighting conditions, the brutal track, the passion of the crowd—everything about that weekend hinted at a sport apart. These early images may not be the most iconic, but they mark the start of a relentless commitment to paddocks and corners for ten consecutive seasons.
Prost, Senna: the intensity of a historic rivalry
The 1990s were defined by two towering names: Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. One with Ferrari, the other with McLaren, their battles delivered some of F1’s most unforgettable duels. Photographing Prost on the Monaco circuit or catching Senna’s gaze during private testing meant trying to translate into images the mix of icy calculation and raw emotion. Beyond technical mastery, there was a palpable, almost mystical tension.
Nigel Mansell, British lion in red
In 1990, Nigel Mansell raced in Ferrari colors. Known for his aggressive style and resilience, the Brit thrilled fans at the French Grand Prix. He soon returned to Williams, where he claimed the world title in 1992. His brief Ferrari chapter remains a unique episode in his career, and my photos aim to capture its intensity.
Jean Alesi, French fervor
For French-speaking fans, Jean Alesi long symbolized a heart-on-sleeve approach to F1. His years with Ferrari and Benetton were filled with heroic feats and frustrating retirements, but always with rare intensity. Whether at Monaco, Magny-Cours, Hockenheim, or Monza, every photo of Alesi tells a story of grit, flair, and unfiltered emotion.
Michael Schumacher, the unstoppable rise
Spotted in junior series and sports prototypes, Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut with Jordan before shining at Benetton, where he won his first titles. In 1996, he joined Ferrari with the mission of restoring the Scuderia’s glory. I followed his meteoric rise through paddocks, starting grids, and the trickiest corners on the calendar. Each race was a step closer to an inevitable dominance.
Williams: from Hill to Villeneuve, a golden age
No account of the era would be complete without the Williams-Renault supremacy. After Mansell’s chapter, Damon Hill took the lead, eventually handing it over to Jacques Villeneuve, fresh from his triumph at the Indianapolis 500. I photographed his IndyCar victory, his rapid rise in F1, and his legendary battles with Schumacher. The blue and white of Williams dominated both the track and my film rolls.
Häkkinen, Blundell, Barrichello, Ralf Schumacher: the faces of a new generation
Behind the stars, a brilliant new generation emerged. Mika Häkkinen made his mark at McLaren before becoming world champion. Mark Blundell proved to be a sharp and dependable driver. Rubens Barrichello impressed at Jordan. Ralf Schumacher steadily established himself, bringing a promising aggression. All crossed my photographic path, and I sought to capture what made each of them unique, both on track and behind the scenes.
A decade through the lens
Photographing Formula 1 in the 1990s was a constant challenge. The rapid evolution of the cars, regulation changes, new teams, and the fading of old legends made every season unique. But above all, I aimed to capture human moments: a glance under the visor, a stance on the grid, a raised fist after a win, or slumped shoulders in the pit after a retirement. More than speed, it’s the truth of a moment that defines a great photo.
A visual memory of 1990s Formula 1
From roaring engines to the tension at lights-out, from sheer joy to heavy silences, this decade left a lasting mark on motorsport history. My images reflect that legacy, captured close to the action and emotion. As the film F1 brings this era back into the spotlight, I invite you to explore this slice of history through the eyes of a field photographer and direct witness to this turning point.
Discover the fine art prints of the photographs below in the art photography gallery Une image pour rêver
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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Author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a professional photographer specializing in motorsports. A member of the DPPI agency from 1988 to 2011, he covered Formula 1 Grands Prix until 1998 and IndyCar until Indianapolis 2004. In 1996, he founded and led the agency’s digital photo department, overseeing the transition from film to digital. Learn more.
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