Novak Djokovic arrived in Qatar as a special guest of the organisers, adding glamour to the Formula 1 weekend before the racing even began. The 24-time Grand Slam champion joined promotional activities, including a yoga and fitness session with Alpine on the grid. Later, he returned to hand out trophies after the Sprint race, reinforcing his role as one of the weekend’s headline figures.
Beckham swaps pitch for pit lane
David Beckham, a global icon and partner of Qatar Airways, was seen touring the paddock and watching the action from trackside. He was joined by former England teammates Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, and Gary Neville, who were all spotted on the grid ahead of the main race. Beckham’s presence highlighted the growing intersection between football and Formula 1.
Viral moment on social media
The highlight of the weekend came when Beckham and Djokovic were photographed together at the circuit. Their meeting, captured in an Instagram post, quickly went viral, sparking excitement among both football and tennis fans. The image symbolised the merging of two sporting worlds in a single frame.
Beckham’s F1 calendar
For Beckham, the Qatar Grand Prix was another high-profile appearance in his expanding Formula 1 calendar. He featured prominently in content produced by race promoters and partners, documenting his time in the paddock and hospitality areas. His involvement underscored his enduring appeal beyond football.
Djokovic’s crossover appeal
Djokovic used the visit to showcase his growing influence outside tennis. By engaging with drivers, team personnel, and celebrities, he demonstrated his ability to connect across sporting and entertainment spheres. “It’s always special to be part of events that bring different sports together,” Djokovic said, according to Hindustan Times
.F1 as global entertainment
While Max Verstappen and McLaren dominated the racing headlines, the sight of Beckham and Djokovic together in Lusail highlighted Formula 1’s evolution into a global entertainment platform. The modern paddock has become a red carpet stage where the biggest names in sport and culture share the spotlight with the drivers themselves.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Currently ranked no.4, the Serbian played his last match on the 8th of November when he defeated world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Athens to win his 101st career title.
This season Djokovic owns an overall 39-11 record. The Serbian has won 2 titles in 2025 in Geneva and Athens. Djokovic was the finalist in Miami.
Djokovic will play next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 29th of December.