A long-held dream of Lewis Hamilton has come true. The driver has always wanted to become an astronaut in addition to being a Formula 1 driver. In November, Hamilton was allowed to participate in astronaut training. The Brit went up in a jet, in the same way astronauts prepare for a space flight.
Earlier in November, Hamilton’s future teammate Charles Leclerc was allowed to join a jet flight with the French Air Force. Now, it was the turn of the seven-time world champion himself. The Mercedes driver underwent flight training that astronauts use to prepare for a space mission. Hamilton reveals that he has dreamed of experiencing astronaut training since his childhood. In a new YouTube video in collaboration with IWC Watches, the Brit’s dream comes true.
“That was epic!” exclaims an overjoyed Hamilton, as the pilot flies the jet through the clouds. Just like in Formula 1, G-forces are also released when flying in a jet. Despite Hamilton being used to the forces as an F1 driver, he still felt the impact. “When you go upside down or make a turn, you really feel the blood leaving your body. At that moment, it’s really hard to breathe or stay awake,” the driver explains when he’s back on the ground.
Hamilton the Astronaut?
Despite the challenges, the world champion managed to withstand up to 7.5G, more than seven times the force of gravity. “Lewis Hamilton was in control throughout the flight, truly experiencing what it’s like to pilot an aircraft in an environment where high G-forces are at play,” says flight instructor John Baum, from the Polaris space program. “I’ve trained two groups that have gone to space, and I think Lewis has what it takes to do the same.” This is good news for Hamilton, as the driver “would love to go to space someday.”
