Formula 1 sensation Charles Leclerc recently embarked on an extraordinary journey with the French Air Force, taking the controls of a supersonic Rafale jet during a training mission. In an upcoming documentary, Charles Leclerc: Supersonique, airing November 3 on CANAL+, viewers can witness this thrilling experience firsthand as Leclerc pushes his limits in an entirely new way.
Leclerc, known for his speed and precision on the Formula 1 track, faced an exhilarating challenge as he stepped into the cockpit of a Rafale fighter jet. In a preview clip that gives off a classic Top Gun vibe, he is shown confidently walking toward the aircraft, helmet in hand, before launching into the skies over the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Leclerc, who usually commands the curves of a racetrack at intense speeds, now experienced the unmatched velocity and power of a jet capable of hitting speeds up to 1,912 kph.
Although Leclerc admitted some initial nerves, he couldn’t hide his excitement: “I’ve never been fully at ease on a plane,” he confessed, “but the Rafale feels like riding a rocket.” He added that he was ready to face the “G-forces” he would feel in the air, which are considerably stronger than anything in the world of motor racing.
The experience wasn’t solely about speed but also gave Leclerc an insight into the power, agility, and precision of the Rafale jet. Curious yet cautious, Leclerc jokingly asked his pilot if there was a button he should avoid pressing. The pilot’s dry response was: “Besides the ejector seat? Not really.” The exchange added a lighthearted tone to the otherwise intense experience.
In a recent Instagram post, Leclerc expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, sharing stunning images from the flight. “Thanks to Canal+ for giving me this amazing chance to pilot a machine like the Rafale,” he wrote. “Experiencing that speed, so different from my Formula 1 car, was something unforgettable.”
The Charles Leclerc: Supersonique documentary promises to offer fans of speed, aviation, and motorsports a unique glimpse into Leclerc’s journey beyond the racetrack. Set to air on CANAL+ at 5 pm on November 3, it’s an event that no thrill-seeker will want to miss.