MADRID, Feb 1 – Alpine Formula One driver Pierre Gasly emphasized that life extends beyond racing as he attended the Hexagon Cup in Madrid on Saturday to support his padel team, Ten Padel. The 29-year-old Frenchman has diversified into business by investing heavily in padel and motorcycle racing, reflecting a broader trend among athletes who leverage financial savvy and expert advisors to explore new avenues.
Embracing Passions Beyond the Track
Gasly has long shown curiosity about various pursuits. “I’ve always been a curious person,” he stated. “Formula One opens many opportunities. While I wake up thinking about F1 and fall asleep thinking about it, there’s more to life. I want to discover other things and mix them with my passions.”
The Hexagon Cup, now in its third year, has turned Madrid into a hub for padel—a sport blending elements of tennis and squash. This team event spans men’s, women’s, and Under-21 divisions, offering a $1 million prize and drawing over 30,000 spectators. High-profile figures such as former tennis stars Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski, actress Eva Longoria, and Gasly serve as team owners, boosting the sport’s visibility.
Gary Davidson, director of operations for event organizers 54, highlighted the role of such celebrities. “These celebrity owners are a gateway to bring attention to padel and what will become the Hexagon World Series,” he said. “Padel has been a niche sport in Central and South America, as well as Spain, but figures like Pierre and others help grow the game’s fan base globally.”
Personal Drive Fuels Padel Involvement
Gasly’s interest in padel runs deep, as he plays it frequently. “Padel is something I really enjoy in my daily life, and I believe it’s a sport with incredible business potential,” he explained. “I’m happy to be a part of its growth through my team.”
Expanding into MotoGP
In a recent move, Gasly acquired a stake in the MotoGP Tech3 KTM team, becoming the first active F1 driver to invest in motorcycling’s top series. A lifelong fan, he has followed MotoGP since age five. “This was an incredible opportunity I had to take,” Gasly said. “As long as there’s an engine and wheels, it’s something I feel connected to. Thanks to Formula One, you get a lot of opportunities. You can’t do everything, but definitely some opportunities you can’t say no to.”
Eyeing F1 Success Amid Changes
Despite his off-track endeavors, Gasly keeps his primary focus on Formula One, especially with major regulation updates ahead. Following a recent shakedown in Barcelona, the team heads to Bahrain for pre-season testing on February 11-13 and 18-20, building toward the Australian Grand Prix opener on March 6.
“I’m excited about the new season,” Gasly shared. “We’re talking about investments and other projects, but my life is still Formula One, and my ultimate goal is to become a Formula One world champion. Regulation changes always bring uncertainty, but it’s also an opportunity to be competitive right from the start.”
