mobile app bar

“Do You Wanna Do Some G-Turns”: Lewis Hamilton Flies a Fighter Jet for IWC

Somin Bhattacharjee
Published

IWC Sponsored Fighter Jet (L) and Lewis Hamilton (R)

A promotional video of Lewis Hamilton flying an actual fighter jet started making the rounds on Tuesday, leading to many wondering in amazement whether it was actually him controlling it. It was part of a space training program, which was organized by IWC Schaffhausen, a long-time sponsor of Hamilton and Mercedes.

As it turns out, Hamilton was the one doing the flying. He was the pilot, and was in full control, as revealed by the instructor John “Slick” Baun. “Lewis was absolutely on the controls the entire time. Should he choose to go to space, he’s going to be a great candidate to be an astronaut,” he said.

Hamilton looked like an absolute natural, and did not show any signs of nervousness. Before stepping into the jet, he spoke about how he had always been a huge fan of flying. “Anything with engines really,” the seven-time World Champion added.

He took off, and the jet went high up into the clouds, a moment Hamilton described as ‘beautiful’. The 39-year-old also performed several tricks, including a barrel roll, and several G-turns.

Hamilton, being an F1 driver, deals with G-Forces on an almost daily basis, which is why it did not take a huge toll on him. But even the fact that he could withstand up to 7G, surprised Baun.

Is Hamilton a natural fighter pilot?

In the video put up by the Swiss luxury watchmakers, Hamilton compared his experience to ‘floating in the clouds’. “It’s pretty unique,” the 39-year-old said.

If Jerry Bruckheimer, the man who produces the Top Gun movies heard that, he could finally include Hamilton in his plans for a future movie. Hamilton is a huge fan of the franchise, and openly declared that he would love to be a part of the cast.

The fact that his resume includes flying an actual fighter plane now, will only help his cause. Plus, Bruckheimer is also a co-producer of F1, Hamilton’s upcoming F1-themed movie. Perhaps he can put in a good word for himself?

Previously, Hamilton expressed regret about not being part of the movie starring Tom Cruise, which revolved mainly around fighter jets. However, his experience with IWC Schaffhausen must have somewhat eased that disappointment.

Post Edited By:Aishwary Gaonkar

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

x-iconinstagram-iconlinkedin-icon

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

Share this article