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When F1 met tennis: Mclaren’s Oscar Piastri joins Andy Murray on court and shares his love for tennis and padel

 From the racetrack to Center Court, F1's Oscar Piastri spent the day away from his McLaren car and soaking up the atmosphere of the Cinch Championship.


The McLaren Racing rookie enjoyed an afternoon of tennis at the Royal Club in exchange for the thrill of the Formula 1 circuit ahead of his first-round match between England's Andy Murray and Biastri compatriot Alex De Minaur.


Less than 48 hours after finishing 11th at the Canadian Grand Prix, the rising star headed to West Kensington to watch former world No. 1 Murray in action as he prepared to take on Australia's De Minaur. I arrived at the training ground. The center of the tulip tournament court.


"I grew up watching Andy as a kid," said Piastri. "The Australian Open was a match I always watched and at that point there was a big four of Andy, Roger, Rafa and Novak.


"It's nice to see him (Andy) for the first time in years. He's a really nice guy and very down-to-earth, so I really enjoyed dating him."


Hailed as motorsport's next big star, the 22-year-old has enjoyed a lot of attention throughout his career before signing his first F1 contract with McLaren earlier this year.


The 22-year-old is obsessed with switching the car's pace from papaya to bat-and-ball, along with other racers on the grid, except when he's zipping around at 230mph.


"I play a little bit of tennis here and there, but when I'm a little older I think I'll really enjoy playing tennis.


"I don't know if Lando [Norris] will play tennis or if he'll play well, but I'm sure he'll be able to play at some point."



Piastri joins Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Scuderia Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc as part of a growing list of elite athletes obsessed with paddleboarding. Australians have gone so far as to incorporate the sport into their training regimens and reap the benefits. he is ready for the race.


"I love wearing pads when I'm on the Formula 1 circuit. It's easy to sit and get hit all over the place and it's a good way to get in shape."


"This is a great way to add some fun to your cardio routine and work out."


Piastri is just one of many high-profile sports stars who will be at the Queen's Club this week, including England internationals such as Eric Dier, Jamie Oliver and former England football director Glenn Hoddle.

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