Plane Chess: Leclerc and Gasly battle it out above the skies

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Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly engaged in a high-altitude game of chess as they traveled from Mexico to Brazil for this week’s round of racing at Interlagos.

In the ultimate battle of wits at 30,000 feet, the tension soared as the quest for dominance between the Ferrari and Alpine drivers unfolded with more intensity than a dramatic last lap overtake.

With a mischievous grin and a triumphant gleam in the eye, Leclerc declared himself the victor before the final checkmate.

“I won. Maybe next time @pierregasly,” wrote Leclerc on Instagram.

“It’s to keep your mood up bro 🤣 revenge next time, coming for you king,” Gasly replied.

Plane chess concluded, the runway loomed large, and a lighthearted rivalry primed for a weekend of high-speed action.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.