Netflix’s Formula One: Drive to Survive has taken the world by storm since its creation. The incredible docuseries brings fans and perhaps those who have never even watched the sport before closer to the track than they ever could have imagined. But over the course of the most recent series – which was released just a week before the 2025 F1 season began – one surprising thing became abundantly clear… the fastest drivers on the face of the earth simply love pickleball.
Throughout the ten-episode extravaganza, superstars such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris were all regularly seen on the court when they weren’t on the track. Outside of circuits in extravagant lands such as Singapore and Miami, the world’s best were regularly taking their competitive spirit to the next level, beating each other at pickleball. But what is it about the booming racket sport that has pulled in these sporting icons?
Pickleball, Padel, and the Off-Track Rivalry
The Netflix series thrives on showing us F1 drivers as more than helmets and stats, and that’s what has brought us to the surprising obsession with pickleball, and its distant relative, padel.
Take Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc, for instance. Their bond, as seen on-screen and in playful banter about their off-track activities, extends naturally onto the court. The two grew up together, both hailing from France – well, Leclerc is Monaco but the location is somewhat the same – and the pair have competed against each other since their carting days.
The Mongascque sensation is a fierce competitor on the track, and he approaches the court with the same intensity, jokingly considering it his “second sport.” Gasly, on the other hand, is more relaxed, often using padel games as an excuse to invite friends and share laughs. Their chemistry was evident in the latest season too, where a dinner scene in Singapore captures just how tight-knit the drivers’ friendships have become.
Max Verstappen is usually at the center of tense rivalries in the paddock. Back in 2021, he went life or death with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, ultimately triumphing at that year’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and claiming his maiden world championship. Since then, he has ruled with an iron fist, racking up three more titles in blistering fashion.
But despite his ruthless nature on track, the Flying Dutchman takes a surprisingly laid-back approach to padel. Fans spotted him during breaks testing his skills with former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo and other Red Bull staff. He was even sharing a friendly game against championship rival and longtime friend Lando Norris, defeating the Brit on the court just as he did on the circuit en route to yet another title.
Online sportsbooks make last season’s protagonists the two frontrunners for glory once again this term. Popular crypto betting sites like Thunderpick Sportsbook currently make last season’s runner-up Norris the surprising favorite to win the world championship for the first time ever this term, pricing him at 1.91, with teammate Oscar Piastri just behind at 3.30 and reigning champion Verstappen a distant 7.50 third favorite.
The Drama of Season 7
Throughout season 7, it wasn’t just pickleball that was on center stage. Red Bull boss Christian Horner once again loomed large, while Lando Norris became the story’s emotional core. His title bid, punctuated by standout moments like his maiden victory in Miami, gave fans a glimpse of his growth as a competitor. Yet, heartbreak struck in Brazil, where a mistake under heavy rain ultimately cost him the championship. His sleepless nights afterward showcased the toll such pressure takes, even on someone as outwardly relaxed as Lando.
Another memorable moment? Charles Leclerc’s poignant episode captures his unwavering quest to win Monaco. Through self-shot footage provided by Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and their peers, the show highlighted the drivers’ humanity, offering an intimate perspective quite unlike the usual bravado of race-day coverage.
How It All Comes Together
The love of these sports is more than just a hobby or a way to fill an off weekend. Pickleball and padel mirror so much of what makes these drivers tick as professionals. They’re games of anticipation, strategy, and quick decisions under pressure, attributes that translate seamlessly from the track to the court. Yet, it’s also clear that these new passions hold a greater purpose. They build camaraderie among drivers, even those who are bitter rivals in the championship standings.
If Season 7 of “Drive to Survive” brings out anything about the modern F1 paddock, it’s that drivers are no longer just individuals tunneled into their own races. Through self-shot footage and unscripted moments, the show reveals friendships that deepen during these off-track matches.
Perhaps the most striking feature is how much these games soften their edges, turning drivers like Verstappen or Norris, often perceived as intensely focused and competitive, into approachable, fun-loving individuals. The scene in Singapore, where drivers shared a padel match amid the sweltering heat, perfectly captured this balance of energy and relaxation.
