Leclerc skydiving stunt did not go down well with Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc admits that his recent leap of faith from 13,000 feet led to a reprimand from Ferrari as he had not asked his employer permission for the stunt.

With the F1 season done and dusted over a month ago in Abu Dhabi, Leclerc sought to sustain his adrenalin level, indulging in some high-altitude thrill by skydiving for the very first time.

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The Monegasque undertook his initiation in Dubai and jumped in tandem with an instructor, an experience that elated the two-time Grand Prix winner but failed to impress his employer, whose permission he had "forgotten" to seek.

"You normally should do, [and] I do," explained Leclerc last weekend at the Autosport International Show during a Q&A with fans.

"I didn't for skydiving, because I just told myself that in case it will go wrong I will not be here to be told off!"

"So, yeah, I just went for it, and then they were a little bit upset. At the end, I won't do it a second time.

"It was amazing. But it was just to do it once."

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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.