Aston Martin become first F1 team to partner with a padel company ahead of US GP

Aston Martin have entered a first-of-its-kind partnership in Formula 1, announcing a collaboration with padel and pickleball brand Padeltek ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, scheduled for 23-25 October. The Silverstone-based team will launch a co-branded collection of three padel rackets and three cover bags, which go on sale this week.

The announcement makes Aston Martin the first F1 team to formally partner with a padel or pickleball company. To mark the launch, the team and Padeltek will host an exclusive I / AM fan event at Padel Society, a brand-new padel venue in Austin.

“Formula 1 is a platform for collaboration across wider sport and lifestyle spaces, and we’re continuing to see the growing demand from fans to bring the worlds together,” said Matt Chapman, Aston Martin’s head of licensing and merchandise. “As the first Formula 1 team to formally partner with a padel and pickleball company, we’re excited to combine our brand DNA via a tangible product that feels authentic and performance-driven.”

Ron Saslow, founding and managing partner of Padeltek backer Thirty-5 Capital, echoed the sentiment. “It didn’t take long for padel and Formula 1 to find each other. Both sports reward precision, speed and performance, and both are attracting a growing fan base here in the United States. Collaborating with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team is an opportunity to bring that shared energy to the court.”

The partnership is set to expand in 2027, with pickleball rackets and accessories planned for release. Padel has grown steadily in popularity among F1 drivers in recent seasons, with many incorporating it into their regular training routines.

On track, Aston Martin head into the Austin weekend in a difficult position. The team sit 10th in the constructors’ standings with just seven points. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is 17th in the drivers’ championship, having scored all seven of those points himself, while team-mate Lance Stroll is 21st with none.