Travel, Photography & All Things F1 with Joe Onyuma
This week, we have had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Onyuma, an F1 content creator. In the thrilling world of Formula 1, Joe focuses on capturing the drivers, tracks, races, and the unexpected moments that unfold. Outside the F1 circuit, Joe's Instagram mirrors his fondness for travel and photography, a passion ignited during his teenage years, highlighting stunning landmarks across the globe.
We caught up with Joe Onyuma to discuss his journey up till now and his favourite moments along the way.
Talk us through what you do and what a normal day can look like.
I work in Formula 1 within the content space, which means my normal days can vary a lot! Sometimes I’m close to home, sometimes I’m super far away in distant corners of the globe. It’s a significant part of why I like what I do. No two days are the same and combining that with the unpredictable nature of sport and business… it sure keeps you on your toes. Some days I’ll be focusing on campaigns, the next I’ll be at a racetrack with the team and drivers.
What’s your favourite thing about working in F1?
I love the amount of stories there are to be told. There are so many layers to everything in this sport. More than any other I’ve seen. The people, the fans, the cars, the amazing corners of the world that we’re privileged to compete at. I like the pace of it all too. You can’t rest on the past with races and projects coming thick and fast. This keeps you honest and humble about the quality of the work you’re producing.
What’s your favourite race on the calendar and why?
That’s a tough one! There are many great races on the calendar for a load of different reasons. I’m going to have to say Monaco though, it’s pretty magical. I think it’s the history of it all. Nothing can prepare you for how fast those cars go down roads that would usually be a 20mph speed limit, millimetres away from metal barriers! It’s something that’s hard not to find amazing and really puts into perspective the skills involved in F1, even if you’re not a car/motorsport lover. Fans also party on the track each night which is so unique. An honourable mention would be Austin, Texas.
Who’s your all-time favourite driver?
I’ll keep friends out of it and stick to drivers outside the current era. That’s a tough one though! Because there are so many legends to choose from. Schumacher is up there, maybe James Hunt… but it has to be Ayrton Senna for me though. He’s iconic, so talented and I wish he was around to continue shaping F1 as he did before he sadly passed away. Also, if you ask any driver on the grid who they are inspired by, Ayrton’s name will undoubtedly come up.
Your Instagram has a lot of travel photography, tell us a little bit more about that.
Travel has always been something I’ve loved, even the excitement of catching a flight. Through life, I’ve had a burning desire to explore beyond the places I know. It helps a lot with keeping things in perspective and being an empathetic person. I like to make the most of free time by seeing new places and documenting those moments. As soon as I was old enough, I was always planning the next adventure. Whenever I had any money while growing up, I’d spend it on travel and never regret it. The photography aspect naturally came hand-in-hand as I wanted to capture memories of these special places.
How did you get into photography?
I’ve always been creative, but I suffered a sports injury when I was a teenager where I was forced to spend an extended period of time on the sidelines. Because of my love for art, my Mum generously surprised me with a DSLR camera for my 15th birthday. I’d spend the time I used to be playing sports at the weekend (which was literally the entire weekend) getting to grips with my camera around London and finding fun spots to explore and shoot. I like how my job now pulls together both my creative and sporting passions.
Where is your favourite place you’ve been, somewhere you would highly recommend to a friend?
I am a sucker for small islands. My favourites are Bali, the Greek islands and Ibiza. However, my favourite place ever is Kenya. It’s the most magical and beautiful country. It has white sand beaches with tropical waters, mountains, wonderful people, rivers, lakes, incredible wildlife… everything! You name it, it’s there… which has to make it one of the ultimate adventure destinations. I am biased though, because I am half Kenyan, but trust me it’s worth a visit!
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