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Padel has rapidly grown in popularity among Formula 1 drivers, transforming from a casual pastime into a major paddock trend. From Fernando Alonso and George Russell dominating matches together to Pierre Gasly investing in a professional team, the sport has captured the attention of the racing world, leading Aston Martin to launch a brand-new line of padel equipment.
Aston Martin Enters the Padel Market
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Aston Martin announced a partnership with racket sports brand Padeltek, marking the first time an F1 team has formally teamed up with a company specializing in padel and pickleball. The newly released collection features three specialized padel rackets alongside cover bags, with pickleball gear slated to launch in 2027. To mark the introduction, Aston Martin organized an Austin-based launch event where drivers and team personnel like Jenson Button, Jessica Hawkins, Jak Crawford, and Pedro de la Rosa tested out the courts.
Matt Chapman, Aston Martin’s Head of Licensing and Merchandise, told Formula1.com that the sport’s massive growth inside the paddock inspired the new venture. Chapman emphasized that the team prioritized authenticity, ensuring the collaboration blended Padeltek’s equipment expertise with Aston Martin’s distinct design identity and performance demands. Rob Bloom, Aston Martin’s Chief Marketing Officer, told Formula1.com that the crossover stems from shared competitive traits, stating that padel relies on quick thinking, precision, and sharp reaction times that mirror racing.
What Makes Padel So Popular in the Paddock?
Blending elements of squash and tennis, padel is played in doubles within an enclosed glass and wire-mesh court. Players use solid rackets, serve underarm, and can play balls off the surrounding walls, creating fast-paced rallies that require teamwork and lightning-fast reflexes. Mike Dale, Editor of The Padel Paper, told Formula1.com that the sport’s high-end, trendy club environments appeal to the glamorous F1 lifestyle, but its primary hook is accessibility.
Dale explained that athletes with a baseline of coordination can reach a competent level very quickly, making the sport highly addictive. The social atmosphere offers drivers a welcome escape from the intense pressures of a Grand Prix weekend. Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and Alex Albon regularly play matches away from the track, even maintaining a dedicated group chat to arrange late-night games during race weekends. Despite the relaxed setting, competitive drives remain high. Fernando Alonso noted that he and George Russell boast an undefeated record together, with Alonso praising Russell’s rapid progression after playing the sport for well over a decade himself. Russell described padel as a great hobby to pass the time during grueling late-season stretches away from home, while Piastri admitted that the drivers take their matches remarkably seriously.
Expanding Beyond the Cockpit
While most drivers keep their involvement recreational, Pierre Gasly has taken his passion a step further by becoming a team owner. The Alpine driver invested in 10Padel, a team competing in the international Hexagon Cup. Gasly told Reuters in February 2026 that he truly enjoys the sport in his daily life and recognizes its immense business potential, viewing it as a healthy outlet away from his constant focus on Formula 1.
Industry experts believe that involvement from high-profile F1 teams and stars will continue to boost padel’s global profile. Padel courts have already started appearing directly at Grand Prix venues, including Silverstone and Austin. Dale concluded that the sport’s welcoming nature allows fans and athletes alike to experience enjoyable rallies immediately, fueling a quick sense of accomplishment that keeps players coming back for more.
