Behind the Scenes: Three Days Photographing Yugo’s Formula 1 Week Events in Barcelona

There are some projects that combine everything I love about event photography: inspiring people, genuine connections, beautiful locations and unforgettable moments. My recent three-day assignment with Yugo, the world’s leading student housing provider, was exactly that.

To celebrate Barcelona Grand Prix Week 2026, Yugo partnered with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team (VCARB) to create a series of experiences for students living in Barcelona. Across three different events, the goal was simple: bring the excitement of Formula 1 beyond the race track and create meaningful moments for residents and university students.

As the event photographer, my role wasn’t just to document what happened, it was to capture the atmosphere, the energy and the genuine interactions that made each event unique.

University students enjoying Red Bull drinks during Yugo's Formula 1 Week rooftop event in Barcelona, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.
Group of university students enjoying Yugo's rooftop Formula 1 Week farewell party in Barcelona at sunset, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls engineer Guillaume Ducreux speaking during the VCARB Formula 1 career event at UPC Barcelona, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.

Day One – VCARB Speaker Event at UPC Barcelona

The week began at the School of Industrial Engineering (ETSEIB – UPC), where students interested in careers in motorsport had the opportunity to hear directly from a Visa Cash App Racing Bulls engineer.

The afternoon combined an inspiring career talk, audience interaction and a lively Q&A session before students showcased their own Formula Student race car project.

Events like these are about much more than speakers on a stage. I focused on documenting the curiosity, engagement and excitement shared between students and industry professionals those authentic moments that tell the real story of the event.

 

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls engineer discussing the Formula Student race car with UPC engineering students during a Formula 1 Week event in Barcelona.

Day Two – Train Like a Racing Driver

The following day moved from lecture theatre to rooftop.

Residents gathered at Yugo Aleu Barcelona to experience a motorsport-inspired fitness session designed around reaction time, endurance, neck strength and core stability the same physical skills professional racing drivers develop throughout their careers.

The combination of sunshine, movement and plenty of laughter created a relaxed atmosphere where natural moments happened constantly. From determined faces during the workouts to conversations afterwards, it was a pleasure to document such an energetic afternoon.

Students taking part in a Formula 1-inspired fitness training session on the rooftop of Yugo Barcelona during Formula 1 Week, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.
Students taking part in a Formula 1-inspired fitness challenge during Yugo Barcelona's rooftop event for Formula 1 Week, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.

Day Three – Final Lap Farewell Rooftop Party

The week concluded with my favourite type of event photography: people simply enjoying themselves.

Hosted on the rooftop of Yugo Aleu, the Final Lap Farewell Party celebrated the end of the academic year with stunning Barcelona sunset views, live DJ music, Formula 1 simulators, Red Bull refreshments, great food and an incredible atmosphere.

As golden hour slowly turned into blue hour, the rooftop became full of conversations, laughter, cheers and memorable moments between residents from all over the world.

This is where documentary event photography truly shines capturing authentic emotions without interrupting them.

Students celebrating with Yugo-branded cups during the Final Lap Farewell rooftop party at Yugo Barcelona during Formula 1 Week, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.

Why Event Photography Matters

Every event has its own personality.

Whether it’s a corporate conference, a university event, a networking evening or a rooftop celebration, professional photography helps preserve not only what happened, but how it felt.

Those images continue to tell the story long after the event has finished on websites, social media, marketing campaigns and future promotions.

VCARB Formula 1 engineer walking with UPC Motorsport students during a career event at ETSEIB in Barcelona as part of Yugo Formula 1 Week.
Student enjoying a drink during Yugo's Final Lap Farewell rooftop party in Barcelona as part of Formula 1 Week, photographed by Barcelona event photographer Magdalena Bee.

Thank You, Yugo

A huge thank you to the entire Yugo team for trusting me to document this fantastic week.

Working alongside such a welcoming and enthusiastic team while meeting students from around the world made these three days incredibly enjoyable.

Projects like this remind me why I love event photography: every event introduces new people, new stories and moments that deserve to be remembered.

If you’re planning a corporate event, conference, university event or hospitality experience in Barcelona, I’d love to help tell your story through authentic, natural photography.

Magdalena.