He participated in two thrilling flights from the renowned Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base 113, located in France, known for its cutting-edge military aviation training and operations.
Driving a Formula 1 car is often hailed as the pinnacle of high-speed automotive excitement, but there exists an experience even more exhilarating — the life of a fighter pilot.
A high-quality short film produced by the French Air Force showcases its impressive capabilities and commitment to air superiority.
This film highlights everything from the legendary MiG-21 to the advanced Dassault Rafale, marking a significant milestone with the acquisition of the first modern fighters for the Croatian Air Force.
The Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, representing the prestigious Ferrari team, recently seized the opportunity to experience this firsthand through the generosity of the French Air Force. Leclerc shared a captivating video on his YouTube channel, chronicling his unforgettable experience during two exhilarating flights aboard a Dassault Rafale B fighter aircraft, recognized as the two-seater variant of the state-of-the-art aircraft utilized for French air defense operations. On the first flight, Leclerc withstood intense manoeuvres of up to 5 G (the threshold of gravitational force typically experienced by Formula 1 drivers in their high-speed machines), while on the subsequent flight he remarkably reached up to 8.2 G:
The two flights took place from the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base 113, strategically situated near Saint-Dizier, just 163 kilometres east of bustling Paris. In one segment of the footage, Leclerc is seen comfortably seated in the co-pilot’s position of the Rafale B.
The aircraft in which Leclerc flew is designated Rafale B 321/4-HQ, belonging to the esteemed 4e Escadre de Chasse (4th Fighter Wing). Notably, the plane was adorned with a black band on its wing insignia as a tribute to the tragic loss of Captain Sébastien Mabire and Lieutenant Matthis Laurens in a tragic collision incident involving two Rafale fighter jets over Colombey-les-Belles on August 14.
This inaugural flight lasted an impressive 3 hours and involved in-flight refueling, skillfully executed with an Airbus A400M Atlas tanker aircraft operated by the French Air Force.
During this remarkable flight, Leclerc had the unique chance to soar over his homeland, Monaco, catching a glimpse of his residence from an aerial perspective. Monaco, renowned as the second smallest country globally, maintains an exceptionally limited armed force and depends on France for air defense due to the absence of its own air force.
The flight produced stunning visuals, including breathtaking views of the sunset illuminating the Mediterranean Sea.
Leclerc concluded this first flight feeling somewhat dizzy, yet wore a broad smile, reflecting the joyous thrill of the experience. A unique touch from the French Air Force included a personalized flight suit for Leclerc, complete with an identification patch bearing his name alongside his aeronautical nickname, “Perceval.” This name pays homage to the full title of the Monegasque pilot, Charles Marc Herve Perceval Leclerc, and inspired Spanish counterpart Carlos Sáinz to humorously refer to him as “Lord Perceval” at one point.
Lastly, we observe Leclerc during the second flight, captured at the exhilarating moment when he experienced a force of 8.2 G, his animated reaction providing a humorous highlight that can be seen in the video.
What were the most significant differences you noticed between flying a fighter jet and driving a Formula 1 car?
**Interview with Charles Leclerc on His Fighter Pilot Experience**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, who recently had an exhilarating experience aboard a Dassault Rafale B fighter aircraft. Charles, thank you for joining us.
**Leclerc:** Thank you for having me! It’s great to share my experience.
**Editor:** You recently flew two high-speed flights from the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base 113. What was that like, especially compared to driving a Formula 1 car?
**Leclerc:** It was mind-blowing! Driving an F1 car is thrilling, but flying a fighter jet takes the adrenaline to a whole new level. The speed, the G-forces, and the maneuverability are just incredible. On my first flight, I experienced 5 Gs, and on the second, I reached a staggering 8.2 Gs. It’s a completely different kind of excitement!
**Editor:** That’s amazing! How did it feel to undergo such intense maneuvers?
**Leclerc:** To be honest, it was challenging but exhilarating at the same time. The sensation of being pushed back into your seat, feeling the power of the aircraft, it’s something you can’t replicate on the ground. I train for F1, but this took my physical limits to an entirely different level.
**Editor:** You mentioned being in the co-pilot’s position. What was that like in terms of handling the aircraft and the overall experience?
**Leclerc:** Sitting next to a skilled pilot was comforting. I had the chance to see how they operate and respond to commands in real time. It’s a beautifully designed machine, and just knowing that I was in a Dassault Rafale, a key player in air defense, made it surreal. The capability of the jet is phenomenal.
**Editor:** The Rafale B you flew was adorned in memory of fallen pilot Captain Sébastien Mabire. Did that add any emotional weight to the experience?
**Leclerc:** Absolutely. It served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. It made me appreciate the opportunity I had even more. Each flight is not just a test of skill but of honoring the legacy of those who dedicated their lives to this profession.
**Editor:** After this experience, do you think we’ll see any collaborations between aviation and motorsports in the future?
**Leclerc:** I hope so! Both share a passion for precision, speed, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. Whether it’s through driver training or technology exchange, there’s definitely potential for exciting developments.
**Editor:** Charles, thank you for sharing your exhilarating journey with us today.
**Leclerc:** Thank you! I hope more people get to experience the fantastic world of aviation.
