Padel rivalry between F1 drivers continue: Team Russell win in Singapore

Padel is becoming increasingly popular inside and outside the country and the padel bug has also struck Formula 1 drivers. Ahead of the Grand Prix weekend in Singapore, several drivers took to the padel court. And that included a few new faces.

Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Alexander Albon and George Russell have played against each other before, but now more drivers have managed to find the padel court. This is according to words from Mercedes driver Russell during the press conference at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

"It's getting very competitive, and bumping into a few familiar faces. We reached out to the local paddle court here to see if we could get some courts after hours. The first night we did, it was totally fine. The second night, they said it sold out after hours, and when I arrived there, I had Lance [Stroll] playing on the court next to me. Then it was Lando [Norris] and I playing, and then on the other court it was Pierre [Gasly] and Antonio Giovinazzi. So Lando and I had a good battle. 3-2 in sets to Team Russell, so I'm happy with that one," Russell explained.

George Russell is currently 'only' seventh in the world championship, well behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton (55) in terms of points. In Singapore, the British driver will no doubt be hoping to boost the number of his podium finishes in 2023 (only in Spain did Russell finish third, ed) a little. In any case, the Singapore circuit should suit the Mercedes better than, say, Monza last race.