Bradley Cooper Captures the Action as Trackside Photographer at Monaco's Historic Grand Prix

Bradley Cooper traded his typical Hollywood duties for a photographer's lens this past Sunday, arriving at the 2026 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on April 26. The 51-year-old actor and filmmaker spent the day capturing the event with his iPhone, positioning himself trackside and in the garage to shoot images of the racing vehicles.

In a particularly dedicated move, Cooper was spotted lying flat on the ground at one point to secure optimal angles for his shots. His hands-on approach to documentation showcased his genuine interest in the historic racing spectacle.

The Historic Grand Prix of Monaco operates on a schedule distinct from its more famous counterpart, typically scheduled roughly two weeks before the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. This year's timing proved different, with the historic event taking place over a month ahead of the F1 race. The biennial competition, organized by the Automobile Club of Monaco since 1997, runs through the same street circuit as the Formula 1 event but features vintage vehicles that offer spectators a nostalgic journey through racing history.

The 2026 Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco is scheduled for the first weekend of June. The F1 calendar resumes next week following a month-long break with the Miami Grand Prix, with the Canadian Grand Prix following toward the end of May.

Cooper's trackside presence appears to serve a creative purpose beyond casual observation. The actor is currently developing an Ocean's Eleven prequel film that he will star in, write, and direct—a project centered on executing a heist during the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix. His visit to this year's race suggests he's conducting hands-on research for the production.