F1 takes flight!
F1 pilots swapped race tracks for fighter jets in 2024, experiencing extreme flights and intense G-forces. Here is how Russell, Leclerc, and Hamilton took speed to the skies.
Dec 9, 2024
Aviation
5 min
2024 Formula One World Championship season wrapped up with a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi last week. Congratulations to Max Verstappen for securing another world championship title and to McLaren for clinching the Constructors' Championship after so many years. As a long-time Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team fan, I admit I wasn't entirely pleased with the season's outcome. Still, I know the team did its absolute best, and my hopes remain high. With the sweeping changes and new regulations set for 2026, I'm confident silver arrows will come back even stronger.
But beyond the race tracks, something unexpected caught my attention this year: several F1 drivers experienced flying in fighter jets! This is a rare and extraordinary opportunity, especially considering the tight bureaucracy and military protocols surrounding such flights. In many countries, including my own, only a handful of civilians have ever flown in military aircraft. Even in the United States, where such experiences are more common, it's still a privilege very few get to enjoy.
George Russell's Eurofighter Typhoon Adventure
The first lucky driver this year was George Russell. He was invited by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to visit RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, home to the Typhoon Display Team. As part of the visit, Russell got to fly in a Eurofighter Typhoon. It was a brilliant PR move by the RAF and a remarkable experience for the Mercedes driver. Watching him soar through the skies felt like a perfect tribute to speed and precision—hallmarks of both Formula 1 and fighter jets.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet developed by a consortium of European aerospace manufacturers. Known for its agility and advanced radar systems, it has been in service since the early 2000s and is considered one of the world’s top air superiority fighters.
Charles Leclerc's High-G Rafale Experience
Next up was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, whose experience was perhaps the most intense. He was invited by the French Air and Space Force for a two-day training session on their Rafale fighter jets. During the flight, Leclerc pulled a staggering 8.2G—a level of intensity most people will never experience. His journey was captured for a Canal+ documentary, adding a cinematic touch to an already remarkable event.
What made his flight even more special was that he soared over the stunning scenery of Monaco, his homeland. The flights took off from Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base 113 in eastern France, with Leclerc flying the Rafale B 321/4-HQ from the prestigious 4th Fighter Wing. His experience seemed the most comprehensive and exciting of all.
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, multirole fighter capable of performing air superiority, ground support, and reconnaissance missions. It’s highly versatile and known for its exceptional maneuverability, thanks to its advanced flight control system. It’s considered the backbone of the French Air and Space Force.
Lewis Hamilton's Training
Lastly, Lewis Hamilton took to the skies as part of a marketing campaign orchestrated by IWC Schaffhausen, a luxury watch brand. Though the event was clearly promotional, Hamilton still got an incredible experience. He underwent astronaut flight training in the L-39 Albatros jet as part of the Polaris Program. At one point, he pulled 7.5G, surpassing what astronauts typically endure during rocket launches.
Though his experience felt the most commercially driven, Hamilton's childhood dream of flying came true, adding a heartfelt element to the event. His interviews reflected genuine enthusiasm, even amidst the promotional setting.
The L-39 Albatros is a Czech-built advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft. Designed during the Cold War, it remains popular for civilian aerobatic teams and military training programs due to its reliability, affordability, and aerobatic capabilities.
A Dream Beyond Reach?
Seeing these F1 drivers live out such incredible adventures sparked something within me. Flying in a fighter jet is a lifelong dream for many — including me. It's an experience money can't always buy, requiring both luck and the right connections. This year, these F1 stars proved that sometimes, dreams take flight when you least expect it.
Even though they're used to flying around the world in private jets, these unique experiences clearly stood out this year. Perhaps this was the "year of flight" for F1 drivers — not just on the track, but in the skies as well.
