After claiming his first overall podium in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship last fall, Canada’s Pete McLeod is back in action. February’s season opener in Abu Dhabi did not go his way, but with seven races left on the calendar – including the sport’s long-awaited debut in France on 20-22 April – the Canadian is aiming to get his campaign on track. Just before leaving his home in Ontario for the sunny shores of Cannes, McLeod took time for this exclusive interview.

Cannes, France

Pete, all the pilots seem be looking forward to this brand-new stop on the French Riviera. You, too?
PM: I’ve never been to the area before, but I hear it can be a beautiful and exciting place. It will be early spring, so while it should be a big contrast to the snow they’re predicting here in Canada, I don’t think the warmest weather will be in full swing. That will be great for the aircraft performance, but maybe not so great for the beach fashion!

You had some strong performances at the season opener, including the top time in one of the Free Practice sessions, but after getting a “Did Not Finish” on Race Day for Exceeding Maximum G, you said you were going to try to forget Abu Dhabi and move on. And of course that is exactly what Yoshi Muroya did after he exceeded max G at the 2017 opener – and he went on to win the Championship. So what is your mindset now?
PM: With no points from Abu Dhabi, it makes sense for Cannes to be looked at as the start of the 2018 season for me. I can’t change the outcome of Abu Dhabi, and it would be also unrealistic to think a first-round exit can’t happen again sometime: It can and likely will, and other pilots will probably experience the same. You need a good bit of luck to go a full season on-the-limit and never cross that line – it’s a fickle sport that way. The long break in this case was good for me, I think. I feel a lot more rested, focused and eager to be in the racetrack than I did going into Abu Dhabi.

That two-month break was unusually long – but maybe pretty lively, too, with your new little daughter just turning six months old at the beginning of April.
PM: Being a dad is definitely something new every day! Aria is growing fast and seems comfortable in the air… She already has logged almost 30 hours in the air!

You have also got someone new in your sportive family. Hamilton Watch announced in February that they are partnering with you…
PM: I’m thrilled to have Hamilton join me as a partner, and to be an ambassador for a brand with such great aviation history and passion. I think the combination of racing airplanes and the glamour of Cannes will make a special race for Hamilton, and it will be especially spectacular if one (or all three!) of their pilots stands on top of the podium in the end… I would be happy to share a podium with [Nicolas] Ivanoff and [Juan] Velarde – but even happier to be on the top of it!

Team McLeod takes off in Cannes with Free Practice sessions on Friday, followed by Qualifying on Saturday and Race Day on Sunday, 22 April. Tickets are on sale now. For all information and updates, visit www.redbullairrace.com.

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About Red Bull Air Race
Created in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship has held more than 80 races around the globe. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370kmh while enduring forces of up to 12G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-meter-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was conceived to help the next generation of pilots develop the skills needed for potential advancement to the Master Class that vies for the World Championship.
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