Doha, Qatar – Premier Padel hosted a week-long exhibition of matches at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail, drawing significant participation from Formula 1 drivers and other global athletes in the lead-up to the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix. The event showcased the growing popularity of padel amongst elite sports figures, fostering a unique blend of competition and camaraderie. The open-door format allowed fans to observe the athletes as they engaged in the rapidly expanding sport.
The high-profile gathering included ten Formula 1 drivers: George Russell, Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, Kimi Antonelli, Oscar Piastri, Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, and Pierre Gasly. They were joined by tennis star Novak Djokovic, NBA player Carmelo Anthony, football legend Marco Materazzi, and other prominent athletes. The event was a collaboration between Premier Padel, Qatar Airways, and Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.
The Rise of Padel in the World of Motorsports
Padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, has experienced explosive growth in recent years, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Its relatively simple rules and accessibility have made it increasingly popular as a recreational activity. However the sport’s appeal extends far beyond casual play, as evidenced by its growing presence within the Formula 1 community.
Several F1 teams have reportedly installed padel courts at their headquarters and incorporated the sport into driver training and team-building activities. This trend suggests a recognition of the physical and mental benefits of padel, including improved reflexes, stamina, and strategic thinking. Additionally, Premier Padel events themselves are attracting a wider audience and increased sponsorship, benefiting from the crossover appeal with motorsports fans.
Athlete Participation Fuels Padel’s Growth
The involvement of globally recognized athletes like Djokovic and Anthony significantly elevates the profile of padel. According to Premier Padel officials, such appearances aren’t merely promotional – many of the athletes are genuine enthusiasts of the sport and actively participate in local padel communities when their schedules allow.
Beyond the Formula 1 drivers, the participation of footballing great Marco Materazzi and former tennis pro Fernando Verdasco highlighted the diverse appeal of the sport. The inclusion of these figures emphasizes padel’s ability to attract athletes from a broad range of disciplines seeking a challenging and social activity.
Qatar Airways has been a leading sponsor of numerous sporting events, and its partnership with Premier Padel reaffirms the airline’s commitment to supporting athletic development and promoting Qatar as a global sports hub. Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer attended the tournament, showcasing the company’s investment in the sport. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown also demonstrated their support by attending throughout the week.
The gathering at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail is part of a broader effort to integrate padel into the wider sports landscape, and this event comes as the sport prepares for its inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi, Japan. This represents a further step towards mainstream recognition and potential Olympic consideration. There’s increasing discussion within sports circles about whether padel should be considered for inclusion in future Olympic programs, given its rapid growth and international appeal.
Looking ahead, Premier Padel is expected to continue leveraging partnerships with high-profile sports figures and organizations to expand its reach and promote the sport globally. The success of this event in Doha will likely encourage similar activations at other major sporting events. The ongoing evolution of the professional padel tour and continued interest from athletes indicate a sustained trajectory of growth for the sport, but long-term factors like infrastructure development and competitive balance will be key to its sustained success.
