Kym Illman on the unseen side of Formula 1

From a paying guest in the Red Bull garage to one of Formula 1’s most influential behind-the-scenes voices, Kym Illman’s rise through the paddock has been anything but conventional.

The Australian photographer and social media powerhouse joins Speedcafe’s Summer Grill to reflect on the 2016 moment that sparked his F1 journey, a leap of faith that led to FIA accreditation, a full season on the road, and an audience of nearly two million followers across social media.

Illman details how a safari photography book picked up by National Geographic helped open doors, why shooting 20,000 photos a race weekend is part of the job, and how his own motorsport background — including Targa rallies and the Bathurst 12 Hour — shaped his approach to the sport.

Central to the discussion is Illman’s role in modern Formula 1 storytelling. He explains why he avoids race results, focuses on moments fans never see on television, and how the paddock has changed since his debut season in 2017 amid the Drive to Survive boom.

Illman also opens up on his relationships with drivers and teams, the realities of posting content viewed by millions, and why balancing access with trust is critical. From candid paddock interactions to the challenges of working around the sport’s biggest names, he offers an unfiltered look at life inside Formula 1.

He also reflects on working alongside his son on the road, whether his model can be replicated, and answers the question fans ask him most — his favourite photo — and what makes it so special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsSB1CWwV6Q

This article was originally written for Speedcafe. You can read the published version here