Padel & F1 - a match made in heaven

A humble bat-and-ball game founded circa 1969 in the Mexican seaport city of Acapulco has turned into a global sensation. Padel is the fastest growing sport in the world; what is it, why is it such a favourite amongst F1 drivers, and what are the commercial opportunities? 

Described as a mix between tennis and squash, Padel is usually played in doubles within an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass. With 30 million+ active players worldwide – a figure growing at an eye-watering rate – Padel has taken over the sporting and cultural conversation.

The whole grid is playing it, with die-hards in the likes of Max, Lando, Oscar, Charles, and Carlos. But what’s the obsession?  

It keeps drivers fit when travelling across the globe, thanks to the abundance of new courts, in a high energy, low impact – and risk of injury – activity. Padel can be played indoors and all year round, which is perfect for the quieter months and season breaks.  

Padel enables friendly rivalries away from the track, and is a hub to rekindle fractured relationships. Max and Lando were spotted squashing their beef on the court after that infamous Austria clash. More recently, Max mentioned that he’s tried to get George in the glass but he’s usually too busy in the gym; an invite likely rescinded considering the current situation between the two…  

For brands that have been patiently waiting to pounce on the F1 commercial train, it feels like a no-brainer, and perfect time, to get involved. Accessible to all, utilising a driver to authentically promote the sport feels like a perfect combination. 

Pierre Gasly is firmly and officially stepping into the world, partnering with entrepreneur Loic Fery to launch 10Padel as the eighth and final team for January’s Hexagon Cup. 10Padel will compete against squads owned by megastars Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Rafa Nadal. 

It only makes sense for fellow drivers to follow suit.