RN365 Podcast Verstappen perfection as fourth F1 title beckons
Login

Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in

Mika Hakkinen The latest Formula 1 news about Mika Hakkinen

Known as the only driver Michael Schumacher ever feared, Mika Hakkinen won back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999 sealing his place amongst the greats of F1.

Poll: Will McLaren fulfil F1 champion’s bold prediction?
Poll: Will McLaren fulfil F1 champion’s bold prediction?
0
Hakkinen backs McLaren to ‘dominate’ F1 rivals
Hakkinen backs McLaren to ‘dominate’ F1 rivals
0
Hakkinen details 'worrying' aspect of Newey departure
Hakkinen details 'worrying' aspect of Newey departure
0
Hakkinen: 'Only these two F1 drivers can stop Verstappen'
Hakkinen: 'Only these two F1 drivers can stop Verstappen'
0
VIDEO: Hakkinen on whether Hamilton is the best of all time
VIDEO: Hakkinen on whether Hamilton is the best of all time
0

Hakkinen began karting at the age of five and achieved success instantly, winning several regional titles. After accumulating further triumphs in the national and Nordic classes, the Finn made the transition into formula cars in 1987. Over the course of four seasons in the junior formula, the ‘Flying Finn’ would accumulate four titles including the British Formula 3 championship in 1990. Hakkinen would also qualify on pole for 1990 Macau Grand Prix, though he would ultimately make a mistake on the final lap, losing the race to his future adversary, Michael Schumacher.

His performances in Formula 3 were good enough to earn him a permanent race seat with Lotus in 1991. The Finn would spend two years with the team learning the tricks of the trade before joining Mclaren as a test and reserve driver in 1993. He would however transition into a permanent position when Michael Andretti left the team midway through the season. Hakkinen would spend three full campaigns with the team before attaining his first win. During this time he would also suffer a near fatal accident at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix when a tire failure threw his car sideways into a wall. He would make a remarkable recovery thanks in large part to the fantastic medical team at the circuit and at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

After another year of near misses Hakkinen would claim the first win of his career at the season ending European Grand Prix in 1997. This would serve as a catalyst for the Finn as he would go on to dominate the next two years, winning the drivers’ championship in 1998 and 1999. He would finish as a runner up to Schumacher in 2000 before dropping down to fifth in 2001. At the end of the season Hakkinen announced that he would take a sabbatical from the sport which turned into a retirement.

Hakkinen continued his racing career competing in the DTM series for a few years before retiring from motor racing altogether in 2007, though he continues to make the odd sportscar appearance from time to time.

Latest news
Verstappen and Red Bull on course for unwanted F1 record
0
Should Red Bull sign Colapinto to partner Verstappen?
1
Wolff offers fresh Masi perspective into controversial 2021 decision
0
Verstappen on cusp of rare F1 accolade - Horner
0
Lawson details vital ‘access’ during F1 rookie concerns
0
Hamilton delivers bleak assessment ahead of Mercedes F1 exit
0
Wolff's Guardiola advice revealed as Leclerc compared to a 'puppy' - RacingNews365 Review
0
Red Bull urged to replace Perez with young star
1
Alpine held talks to defuse Ocon, Gasly 'needle'
0
Horner takes aim at Verstappen critics after dominant Brazil GP win
0
 More news

F1 standings 2024

Full standings

F1 calendar 2024

Race Date
usa
Las Vegas Las Vegas Street Circuit
24 Nov
qat
Lusail Losail International Circuit
1 Dec
are
Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit
8 Dec
Full calendar

Bezoek RacingNews365.nl

En lees het laatste F1 nieuws in het Nederlands!

Naar RacingNews365.nl Niet meer tonen
x
LATEST Verstappen on cusp of rare F1 accolade - Horner