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Max Verstappen defeated on eve of United States Grand Prix

Max Verstappen defeated on eve of United States Grand Prix

17-10-2023 09:15 Last update: 11:21

Ludo van Denderen

Max Verstappen is almost unbeatable on the track, on the padel court, the now three-time world champion knows what losing is. Last weekend, Verstappen lost the final of a high-profile padel tournament to none other than Charles Leclerc. The tournament was held to raise money for charity.

Leclerc did have a slight advantage: his partner in the final was Thomas Johansson, a former Grand Slam winner in tennis. Verstappen found his friend Norman Nato - active in Formula E on behalf of Andretti Global - at his side. It was also thanks to Nato that it is known who won the match between them.

Leclerc responds with a jab

On Instagram, Nato posted a picture with the three including Verstappen. In it, the Frenchman wrote: "Great fun playing in the very first @alltime.mc padel tournament together with athletes from all different sports and backgrounds. A lot of fun and just a little bit of competition." Charles Leclerc responded to that post with: "You forgot to mention that you lost in the final I think."

 
 
 
 
 
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Een bericht gedeeld door Norman Nato (@norman_nato)

Among Formula 1 drivers, padel is quite popular. Not only Verstappen and Leclerc are known to do this sport regularly, but Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, George Russell and Alex Albon can often be found on a court somewhere in the world. It is not known whether they also participated in the tournament in Monaco.