Top Gun Leclerc soars in supersonic Rafale ride

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Charles Leclerc recently took speed to new heights, trading his Ferrari SF-24 for a Dassault Rafale fighter jet thanks to France’s Armée de l’Air and French broadcaster Canal +.

The winner of last weekend’s US Grand Prix got a taste of the sky-high thrill as he flew into the wild blue yonder, experiencing intense G-forces and breathtaking maneuvers at supersonic speeds.

Leclerc, who’s used to pushing the limits on track, was all smiles after landing back on terra firma.

“What an incredible opportunity Canal + gave me to pilot such a machine,” he said. “To be able to compare that speed feeling with what I usually experience in a Formula 1 car was very special. Stay tuned for the full experience next week.”

It's a bird... it's a plane... it's Charles Leclerc, proving he's just as fearless in the skies as he is on the track.

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.