Martin Šonka

World Champion pedigree. Relentless competitor. Never out of contention.

From an early age, Martin Šonka was inspired by stories of Czech fighter pilots — a legacy that shaped his path into aviation and defined his competitive mindset.

He went on to serve as a Gripen fighter pilot in the Czech Air Force, while simultaneously developing his skills in aerobatics. In 2010, he entered the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, where he built one of the most respected careers in the sport. His breakthrough came in 2018, securing four victories in eight races to claim the overall world title. His achievements have also earned him recognition as one of the Czech Republic’s top athletes.

Šonka’s approach to racing is defined by precision and intensity.

“I don’t have to win,” he has said. “But it’s a lot more fun than losing.”

Every race is built on meticulous preparation. He visualizes the course in complete detail, refining every line and every input to extract gains measured in fractions of a second. His execution reflects a level of precision that borders on craftsmanship.

In the 2025 AIR RACE X season, Šonka opened with a podium finish in Round 1 and delivered consistent performances throughout the championship, ultimately finishing fourth overall.

But for a world champion, fourth is not the target.

In 2026, Šonka returns with one objective — to fight his way back to the top of AIR RACE X.