Photographer Uses IKEA Tape Measure to Prove Lens Size at Miami GP

Photographer Roberto Baldea successfully circumvented strict camera rules at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix by bringing an IKEA measuring tape to prove his lens complied with the six-inch limit. The event's policy allows only point-and-shoot cameras and consumer-grade detachable lenses no longer than six inches for personal, non-commercial use. Baldea's 18-35mm and 70-200mm lenses were initially flagged as too large by security, but he demonstrated with the tape that they measured exactly six inches. He credited professional motorsports photographer Jamey Price for issuing a public service announcement about the rules. Baldea ultimately gained entry and captured images of race winner Kimi Antonelli. This incident echoes a previous year when a fan with a mirrorless camera was turned away but returned with a floppy disk camera.