Ahead of the Qatar Open in Doha, Carlos Alcaraz made a pit stop in Bahrain to attend the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing. The 2026 Australian Open winner posed for pictures with compatriots and F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in the paddock.
Carlos Alcaraz Spotted in F1 Paddock Ahead of Qatar Open
Alcaraz is all set to return to the tennis court next week to take part in the Qatar Open. The ATP 500 event is set to feature a world-class field, with the likes of Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Felix Auger-Aliassime also set to compete.
Before heading to Doha for the Qatar Open, Alcaraz made a trip to Bahrain to watch Day Two of the Formula 1 pre-season testing. With the new season set to get underway next month, teams are fine-tuning their preparations.
Carlos Alcaraz in the paddock for the 2026 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain
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Alcaraz visited the Williams garage to meet with Sainz. He later also headed to the Aston Martin garage, where he met up with Alonso. It is no secret that Alcaraz is a fan of Formula 1 and Alonso. He also paid tribute to the legendary F1 driver at the Australian Open this year by copying his iconic “samurai” celebration after winning his semifinal against Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz also attended the 2024 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix and named Alonso the top F1 driver in a 2024 blind ranking of F1 drivers alongside the ATP Tour.
Rafael Nadal, whom Alcaraz considers his tennis idol, recently said the 22-year-old is already a legend. The 22-time Grand Slam champion heaped praise on Alcaraz, who recently completed his career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.
“Alcaraz is no longer just a promising player; he has seven Grand Slam titles. He is already a legend in our sport. If you look at the great players in history, there aren’t that many who have won seven majors,” Nadal said via Europa Press.
“In Australia, he played at a high level in a hard-fought match where the age difference was evident, but each player tried to perform at their best with their own strengths. I really enjoyed watching the final,” he added.
Nadal was in attendance at the 2026 Australian Open final, where Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets to claim his seventh Grand Slam title. The World No. 1 will be determined to add to his Majors tally this year, and will no doubt be among the favorites to come out on top at the remaining three Grand Slams as well.
