Closer to space! Lewis Hamilton participates in astronaut training program
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, stepped into the role of an astronaut, taking part in a training mission as part of the Polaris program, which sends people to space using SpaceX rockets, reports Bild.
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As part of the program, Hamilton underwent the same training that astronauts go through. The Swiss luxury watch company IWC Schaffhausen, which partnered with Hamilton for the training, released a video showing the F1 driver performing a series of complex maneuvers in an L-39 Albatros jet.
This was essential to experience lateral g-forces and demonstrate weightlessness. Hamilton withstood a maximum g-force of 7.5 g during the flight, which exceeds the g-forces experienced by astronauts during rocket launches.
"Since Lewis Hamilton became an IWC Brand Ambassador in 2013, we have created so many unforgettable moments and memories together. We are excited to give him an opportunity to complete flight training for astronauts and bring him one step closer to space exploration," said Chris Grainger-Herr.
