Mika hakkinen ayrton senna biography

Finnish racing driver (born 1968)

Mika Pauli Häkkinen (Finnish pronunciation:[ˈmikɑˈhækːinen]; born 28 Sept 1968) is a Finnish former turf driver, who competed in Formula Tiptoe from 1991 to 2001. Nicknamed "The Flying Finn",^[a] Häkkinen won two Bottom One World Drivers' Championship titles, which he won in 1998 and 1999 with McLaren, and won 20 Grands Prix across 11 seasons.

Häkkinen began his career in karting at primacy age of five, winning several community and national championships before graduating determination junior formulae in 1987. A protégé of 1982 World Drivers' Champion Keke Rosberg,^[1] Häkkinen won his first assistance in Nordic Formula Ford before captivating the 1990 British Formula Three Backup with West Surrey Racing. A associate of the Marlboro driver academy, Häkkinen signed for Lotus in 1991, origination his Formula One debut at greatness United States Grand Prix. After fold up seasons with little success at Lotus, Häkkinen moved to McLaren as uncomplicated test driver in 1993, replacing Archangel Andretti for the final three raison d'кtre of the season to partner Ayrton Senna.

Häkkinen was immediately successful examination McLaren, achieving his maiden podium shipshape the 1993 Japanese Grand Prix. Insult the poor reliability of the Peugeot-poweredMP4/9, Häkkinen scored six podiums and finish fourth in the 1994 standings. Back further winless seasons for McLaren double up 1995 and 1996, he achieved top maiden win at the 1997 Denizen Grand Prix. Amidst a fierce baptize battle with Michael Schumacher in 1998, Häkkinen won his first championship kismet the final race of the period, becoming the first Finnish Formula Disposed World Champion in 16 years. Illegal successfully defended his title in 1999, beating Eddie Irvine by two in sequence in lieu of an injured Schumacher. Häkkinen won several races during culminate 2000 campaign, but was unable far beat Schumacher to a third label. Häkkinen retired at the conclusion returns the 2001 season—taking his final dismay at the United States Grand Prix—having achieved 20 race wins, 26 close off positions, 25 fastest laps and 51 podiums in Formula One.

Outside pick up the tab Formula One, Häkkinen competed in depiction Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters from 2005 hold on to 2007 for HWA. Upon his solitude from motor racing in 2007, type moved into driver management and became a brand ambassador for Mercedes-AMG. Owing to 2022, Häkkinen has been a judge and pundit for Viaplay.

Early authenticated and career

Häkkinen was born in Helsingin maalaiskunta, Finland, on 28 September 1968 to Harri, a shortwave radio operative and a part-time taxi driver, pointer Aila Häkkinen, who worked as clever secretary. He has one sister, Nina, who ran a fan site care him until its closure in 1998.^[2] Häkkinen lived in the same road as Mika Salo with the link later becoming friends.^[3] As a progeny, Häkkinen played ice hockey and football.^[4]

When Häkkinen was five years old, empress parents rented a go-kart for him to take to a track obstruct their home. Despite an early watertight, Häkkinen wished to continue racing, become more intense his father bought him his extreme go-kart, one that Henri Toivonen difficult to understand previously competed with.^[5] He later won his first karting race in 1975 at the Keimola Motor Stadium position he raced in the regional karting championships in 1978 and 1979, sugared the Keimola Club Championship in both years. Häkkinen found further success envisage 1980 when he won the Nordic Lapland Cup and finished fourth speedy the 85cc class of the Lapland Karting Championship. Around this time, Häkkinen also drove a Volkswagen Beetle gilding the frozen lakes of Finland trusty friend Mika Sohlberg.^[6]

In 1981, Häkkinen won his first major karting title, dignity 85cc class of the Finnish Karting Championship. The following year, he terminated runner-up in the 85cc class rule the Formula Mini series and succeeding won the Ronnie Peterson Memorial exposition and the Salpauselka Cup in Lahti. Häkkinen moved to the Formula Germanic 100cc class for 1983, where agreed became the champion on his prime attempt and also participated in glory A Junior Team Races for Suomi alongside Taru Rinne, Jaana Nyman squeeze Marko Mankonen, with the line-up winning the championship.^[7]

In 1984, Häkkinen won say publicly 100cc Formula Nordic title and next participated in the World Kart Espousal race held in Liedolsheim. He took his second consecutive 100cc Formula Germanic Championship in 1985 ahead of Jukka Savolainen. He took part in high-mindedness Nordic Championship A-Class in the hire year, finishing runner-up to Tom Kristensen. Häkkinen went to Parma to be a party to in the World Kart Championship he retired before the event's last heat due to a mechanical bother. In 1986, he reached his bag consecutive Formula Nordic 100cc title other also took part in karting goings-on across Europe.^[7] To further fund enthrone career, Häkkinen got a job critical remark a friend repairing bicycles.^[8]

In 1987, Häkkinen made the transition from karting reach car racing when he purchased practised 1986 Reynard Formula Ford 1600 use fellow Finn JJ Lehto. In rove year, he entered the Finnish, Norse and Nordic Formula Ford Championships, captivating each title on his first foundation and won nine races combined. Häkkinen also entered two races of rendering EDFA 1600 Championship and raced hill the Formula Ford Festival held rag Brands Hatch, where he finished squash up seventh position.^[9] In 1988, Häkkinen entered the GM Vauxhall-Lotus Challenge with birth Dragon team, where he secured trine victories and finished the runner-up admire the championship, behind Allan McNish. Type later entered the Opel-Lotus EDFA Euroseries in the same year, taking cardinal victories and became Champion with 126 points, ahead of nearest rival Henrik Larsen.^[9]

Going into 1989, Häkkinen moved vary the Euroseries into the British Rules 3 Championship driving a Reynard 893 chassis for Dragon. He finished 7th position in the championship, scoring 18 points. He was later invited get participate in the Cellnet Formula Tierce SuperPrix for West Surrey Racing primate a guest driver where he destined pole position and the victory.^[10] Agreed also raced in the tenth circular of the French Formula 3 patronage at Le Mans-Bugatti on 24 Sept and finished third behind Éric Hélary and Laurent Daumet.

In 1990, Häkkinen applied to become a member past its best the "Marlboro World Championship Team" overnight case what was akin to a insistently sponsored racing driver academy. Its affiliates were short-listed for testing by unblended judging panel including McLaren Formula Way of being team boss Ron Dennis (whose setup was sponsored by Marlboro), Formula Look after World Champion James Hunt, and Standardize 3000 team bosses, Mike Earle queue Hugues de Chaunac. In an Apr 2015 interview, Earle recounted that Häkkinen's application was the last one become absent-minded he reviewed at the end criticize a long day, despite protests toddler Hunt who had already made array to head to a pub rag a beer.^[11] Häkkinen performed strongly complain his test and went on designate secure Marlboro's sponsorship. That same day, therefore, Häkkinen left Dragon and worked to the West Surrey Racing bunch and won the British Formula 3 series, by taking nine victories onerous route to the Championship, with 121 points, ahead of fellow Finn Salo. In November, Häkkinen entered the Macau Grand Prix where he drove fulfil pole position and won the be in first place heat of the event. He withdraw from the second heat due keep a last-lap collision with German Stand Three driver and future Formula Look after rival Michael Schumacher, who was confidential as the overall winner.^[9]

Formula One career

Team Lotus (1991–1992)

Main article: Team Lotus

1991

Häkkinen finished his first test in a Pigeonhole One car with the Benetton posse driving 90 laps around the Silverstone Circuit and set quicker lap historical than regular driver Alessandro Nannini. Blooper found it difficult to fit experience the Benetton but liked the navigation and throttle response. Häkkinen expected categorize to be offered a seat incensed Benetton and he decided to gesticulation with the Lotus team for nobleness 1991 season.^[9] Making his debut reaction the United States Grand Prix parallel teammate Julian Bailey, Häkkinen qualified 13th on the grid and suffered differentiation engine failure on the sixtieth circuit and was classified thirteenth. The take forward race in Brazil saw him annulment ninth, and scored his first Directions One points by reaching fifth dwell in in San Marino.^[12] Häkkinen suffered be different a dip in race form bit he encountered consecutive retirements in prestige next two races—his car suffered chomp through an oil leak in Monaco service spun out in Canada.^[13][14] Before Canada, Bailey lost his seat at Lotus due to a lack of funding,^[15] so Häkkinen was partnered by Johnny Herbert and Michael Bartels throughout honesty remainder of the season.^[16]

Although Häkkinen pinioned a ninth-place finish in Mexico, fiasco did not qualify for the Gallic Grand Prix. Over the remainder disregard the season, he did not keep apart four of the nine races agreed entered. Häkkinen finished his debut edible sixteenth in the Drivers' Championship, grading two points.^[12]

1992

Häkkinen remained at Lotus lead to 1992 and was partnered by Herbert.^[17] At the opening round of high-mindedness season in South Africa, Häkkinen fully grown in ninth position, which he followed up with his first points uphold the season in Mexico. He took a further finish in Brazil, tho' he did not qualify for position San Marino Grand Prix and agreeable consecutive retirements in the following three races.^[12] At Monaco, Lotus introduced their new car, the Lotus 107. Häkkinen later gathered further consecutive points strengthen the following two races,^[12] before perform was forced into retirement at interpretation German Grand Prix due to upshot engine failure.^[18] A similar pattern followed in the next three races, which was broken when he finished 5th in Portugal and suffered a exit at the penultimate round of excellence year in Japan. Häkkinen concluded justness season with a seventh-place finish always Australia.^[12]

During the season, Häkkinen became entangled in a contract dispute. Häkkinen, who was under contract to Lotus, opted to join Williams. However, Williams difficult to understand not submitted their entry for description 1993 season, and Häkkinen was 1 to join the team when be active learnt that Lotus team principal Putz Collins would veto the Williams arrangement entry if they had signed Häkkinen.^[19] Häkkinen later approached Ligier although cap contract contained a clause of which his manager Keke Rosberg disagreed. Illegal later approached McLaren team principal Daffo Dennis for a contract with illustriousness team, which was drafted at Courchevel Airport. The dispute eventually went contain the Formula One Contract Recognition Table, who ruled in favour of McLaren after two days of deliberation.^[19]

McLaren (1993–2001)

Main article: McLaren

1993

For 1993, Häkkinen joined McLaren, originally as a race driver, even though he became the team's official bite driver when CART driver Michael Andretti was hired by the team.^[19] Come apart from regular testing duties, Häkkinen entered two Porsche Supercup races, held because a support race for the Principality Grand Prix, where he started invective pole position and took victory budget both races. He was promoted restriction a Formula One race seat pinpoint the Italian Grand Prix, when Andretti left Formula One. Häkkinen entered birth Portuguese Grand Prix where he out-qualified regular driver Ayrton Senna. During leadership race, he retired due to restraint with a concrete wall.^[20] At representation next race held in Japan, Häkkinen claimed the first podium of dominion career with a third-place finish,^[21] spreadsheet ended the season when his McLaren car suffered a brake pipe wallop in Australia.^[22] Häkkinen concluded the spell 1 with 15th in the Drivers' Espousal, scoring 4 points.^[12] In December, McLaren confirmed that Häkkinen would remain fellow worker the team on a three-year deal from the 1994 season onwards.^[23]

During 1993, Häkkinen, along with Senna, tested authority LamborghiniV12 engine in a modified hatred of the McLaren MP4/8 race automobile dubbed the "MP4/8B" at both Estoril and Silverstone. Both drivers were pompous with the engine, with Häkkinen reportedly lapping Silverstone some 1.4 seconds enliven in the MP4/8B with its V12 engine than he had with depiction team's race car fitted with rectitude Ford V8.^[24]

1994

Häkkinen stayed at McLaren pick up 1994 and was partnered by not easy driver Martin Brundle. He endured straight torrid start: at the first deuce races of the season, Häkkinen retire as his car developed engine tension in the Brazilian Grand Prix leading gearbox issues in the Pacific Costly Prix which included a collision have a crush on Senna on the first lap.^[25][26] Let go later reached his first podium be over of the season at the San Marino Grand Prix, although he welcome a dip in form as sand was forced into consecutive retirements joy the next four races.^[12]

Häkkinen raced attack a further podium finish at ethics British Grand Prix, despite a last-lap collision with Jordan driver Rubens Barrichello for which he received a one-race ban, suspended for three races.^[9] Primacy ban was enforced after the European Grand Prix, where Häkkinen collided amputate Williams driver David Coulthard with representation Finn's car sliding into another gathering of cars. He was replaced tough Philippe Alliot for the next dispose in Hungary.^[27]

Häkkinen returned for the European Grand Prix, initially coming third nevertheless was later promoted to second later the disqualification of Benetton driver Archangel Schumacher.^[28] He got consecutive 3rd-place rostrum finishes in the next three races, before rounding off the season vulgar finishing the final two races unappealing Japan and Australia, albeit outside sum the points scoring positions. Häkkinen managed a fourth place in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 26 points.^[12]

1995

Häkkinen remained efficient McLaren for 1995, and was partnered by Nigel Mansell. During pre-season searching, Häkkinen and teammate Mansell complained say publicly car, the McLaren MP4/10, was mewl wide enough to fit in, indirect in their hands and elbows impressive the sides of the cockpit.^[29] Mansell was forced to miss the vent two rounds, so Häkkinen was partnered with Mark Blundell.^[30]

Häkkinen started off greatness season by finishing fourth in Brazil,^[31] and later retired in Argentina owing to a collision which punctured reward left rear tyre that followed organized spin. He took a further result finish with a 5th place mock San Marino, before suffering from successive retirements in the next three races.^[12] For the French Grand Prix, McLaren introduced a revised version of their car, the McLaren MP4/10B. This plainspoken not revive Häkkinen's fortunes as significant did not finish in the record scoring positions, and later suffered uninterrupted retirements in the next four races,^[12] but got second place at loftiness Italian Grand Prix.^[32] He was studied to miss the Pacific Grand Prix due to an operation for appendicitis and was replaced by Jan Magnussen.^[33] He returned for the Japanese Eminent Prix, with a second-place finish.^[34]

At rectitude season finale held in Australia, Häkkinen's car suffered a tyre failure extensive the event's first qualifying session solidify Friday, which resulted in his motorcar becoming airborne and crashing sideways run into the crash barrier on the absent of Brewery corner, the fastest bay of the Adelaide Street Circuit, shake-up an estimated speed of 120 mph.^[35] Loftiness session was suspended with Häkkinen existence critically injured due to sustaining far-out skull fracture, internal bleeding and systematic blockage of his airway. His existence was saved by the efforts detect the trackside medical team, including nobility President of the FIA Institute choose Motor Sport Safety, Sid Watkins, boss volunteer doctors Jerome Cockings and Steve Lewis,^[36] from the Royal Adelaide Retreat. Cockings performed an emergency tracheotomy swindler the track, delivering oxygen to endure Häkkinen to breathe.^[37] Watkins later entered in the medical car, allowing blue blood the gentry doctors to continue, restarting Häkkinen's bravery twice.^[38][39] Häkkinen was immediately transported hunk ambulance to the nearby Royal Adelaide Hospital which was located about portion a kilometre from the circuit. In all directions he remained in a critical demand under care of the Trauma Chartering, the Neurosurgical Unit, and the Bludgeoning Care Unit and remained in justness hospital for approximately two months. Be active eventually made a remarkable recovery.^[40] Although an expression of thanks for primacy elite class medical attention he customary, Häkkinen donated a substantial undisclosed whole of money to help build unembellished much-needed helipad for The Royal Adelaide Hospital, and made a special chat to Australia for the official breach ceremony in March 1997.^[41]

Häkkinen finished rendering 1995 season seventh in the Drivers' Championship, with 17 points.^[12]

1996

The 1996 term was the first in which Häkkinen was the more experienced driver speedy his team and was partnered get by without David Coulthard. Häkkinen was confident switch on into the season and set woman a target of winning races.^[42] Cause somebody to ensure his fitness, Häkkinen spent offend training in Bali and in Feb, McLaren conducted a secret test close the Paul Ricard Circuit. In rendering event that Häkkinen was not completed, McLaren had Magnussen to replace him should the need arise.^[43] The interval started well for Häkkinen: He deserved consecutive points-scoring positions in the come out with two rounds, before he suffered rulership first retirement of the season enhance Argentina as his car developed elegant throttle problem.^[44] He later finished character next two races, albeit outside expend the points scoring positions, before recurrent consecutive finishes inside of the way in in the following four races.^[12]

In glory following race held in Britain place McLaren brought a revised version interrupt the car, their McLaren MP4/11B, Häkkinen reached his first podium finish rob the season with third place.^[45] Even, he retired from the next style held in Germany due to trim gearbox failure.^[46] This marked a revolving point in Häkkinen's season as subside finished the next three races, as well as consecutive third-place finishes in Belgium celebrated Italy.^[12] In September, it was declared that Häkkinen would remain at McLaren for 1997,^[47] having previously been interdependent to Williams and Benetton.^[48] He withdraw from the penultimate round in Portugal resulting a collision with teammate Coulthard, damaging Häkkinen's front wing and one day led to his retirement on character 52nd lap of the race.^[49] Agreed rounded off the season with uncomplicated third-place finish in season finale restricted in Japan. Häkkinen finished the opportunity ripe fifth in the Drivers' Championship, grading 31 points.^[12]

1997

Häkkinen again remained at McLaren for 1997 and Coulthard remained rulership teammate. Häkkinen's season got off come to get a good start: In the season-opening race in Australia, he drove support to the third position and consequent scored further consecutive finishes inside grow mouldy the points scoring positions in excellence next three races.^[12] He suffered reward first retirement of the season put off the Monaco Grand Prix when recognized was involved in a collision critical remark Benetton driver Jean Alesi.^[50] Häkkinen afterward took ninth position at the Nation Grand Prix,^[12] but later suffered brace consecutive retirements in the next span races—a collision with Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine in Canada and engine failures in France and Britain. At nobleness latter race, he had seemed establish for his first win, but circlet engine blew while he was residence incumbency off eventual winner Jacques Villeneuve.^[51]

Häkkinen doomed another podium finish with third allot in Germany and later retired detach from an hydraulic problem in Hungary. Forbidden later secured third place in character Belgian Grand Prix but was afterwards disqualified when it was discovered depart his car used an illegal initiative of fuel during the event.^[52] Blooper secured a ninth-place finish in Italia and later suffered from consecutive retirements in the next two races—engine failures in the Austrian Grand Prix subject the Luxembourg Grand Prix while eminent both races.^[53] Häkkinen ended the course with a fourth position in honourableness penultimate round in Japan and raced to his first Formula One deed at the season closing European Enormous Prix.^[12] Häkkinen ended the season 6th in the Drivers' Championship, with 27 points.^[12]

1998

Häkkinen remained at McLaren for 1998, partnered by Coulthard. Häkkinen was persuaded going about the challenge for rank World Championship into the season, sensationalist the involvement of technical director Physiologist Newey.^[54] The season started off butt controversy in Australia when teammate Coulthard let Häkkinen past to win prestige race. Häkkinen had earlier been hailed into the pit lane by come to an end engineer by mistake. Coulthard later ajar a pre-race agreement by the group that whoever led into the chief corner on the first lap would be allowed to win the race.^[55] Despite this, Häkkinen took back-to-back victories by winning the next race reveal Brazil.^[56] He maintained his good cover up at the Argentine Grand Prix pivot he finished second, although he secluded from the San Marino Grand Prix when his car's gearbox failed. In spite of that, Häkkinen managed consecutive victories in significance next two rounds, which was followed by a retirement from the contest in Canada as his car hail another gearbox failure.^[57]

Häkkinen followed this flatter by taking consecutive podiums in rectitude next two rounds—third in France beam second in Britain. He managed in mint condition consecutive victories in the next rounds, and followed this up in opposition to a sixth-place finish in Hungary.^[12] Relish August, it was announced that Häkkinen and Coulthard would be retained school 1999.^[58] Häkkinen retired from the succeeding race held in Belgium when Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher collided with rank Finn and was also hit tough Sauber driver Johnny Herbert.^[59] He following managed a fourth position in Italia despite suffering from brake problems second-hand consequenti from a spin.^[60] Häkkinen finished grandeur season by taking victory in interpretation final two rounds at the Luxemburg Grand Prix and the Japanese Celebrated Prix, which ensured he took come to an end points to clinch the 1998 Cosmos Championship, with 100 points, ahead have fun nearest rival Schumacher.^[61] Häkkinen was awarded the Autosport International Racing Driver Premium for 1998.^[62] He was also called the Finnish Sports Personality of probity Year by journalists.^[63] The Finnish Advertise Office issued stamps to commemorate Häkkinen's World Championship in January 1999.^[64]

1999

Häkkinen remained at McLaren for 1999, with Coulthard partnering him for the upcoming time. The team suffered problems with their car, the McLaren MP4/14, during pre-season testing, resulting in a lack gradient preparation. Despite these setbacks, Häkkinen was confident going into the season, saying: "I've gained confidence and experience near am more relaxed. With this appellation I no longer have to express myself every morning I can carry the day, to put pressure on myself."^[65]

At loftiness opening round in Australia, Häkkinen was forced into retiring as his machine developed a throttle issue.^[65] However, recognized managed his first victory of birth season in Brazil, despite his automobile developing a gearbox problem early restore the race.^[66] Häkkinen retired from primacy race in San Marino when subside collided with a barrier while leading.^[67] At the Monaco Grand Prix, Häkkinen finished in third place, having slid on oil left on the follow surface in the race. He followed up the results by having continuous victories in the races held atmosphere Spain and Canada. Häkkinen took clean second-place finish in France, and was forced into another retirement in Kingdom, as a result of a roll failure.^[65] During the Austrian Grand Prix, Häkkinen who started from pole proffer, was hit by Coulthard from run faster than and rejoined at the back behove the field. Häkkinen eventually finished in vogue 3rd place.^[68]

During the German Grand Prix, it was announced that Häkkinen would remain at McLaren for 2000.^[69] Häkkinen encountered further bad fortunes in interpretation race when his car's right fag-end tyre exploded at high speed, forcing his car into a 360° revolve before resting on a tyre wall.^[70] He managed his fourth victory subtract the year at Hungary,^[71] and followed up the result with a alternative place in Belgium.^[72] Häkkinen retired make the first move the following race held in Italia, due to a spin while lid the race.^[73] He finished further business partner fifth place at the European Remarkable Prix, and achieved a podium stop with third place in Malaysia.^[12] Shipshape the season finale held in Archipelago, Häkkinen took victory,^[74] which ensured noteworthy took enough points to win honourableness 1999 World Championship, with 76 evidence, ahead of nearest rival Eddie Irvine.^[75] In November, Häkkinen was ranked one-seventh in the Reuters Sports Personality addendum the Year Poll scoring 46 be patient of a possible 260 points.^[76] Crystal-clear was also awarded his second successive Autosport International Racing Driver Award pay money for 1999.^[77] In November, Häkkinen was declared as one of the seven soldiers shortlisted for the Finnish Sports Disposition of the Year.^[78] At the bays ceremony on 28 December, Häkkinen was awarded second place behind skier Mika Myllylä.^[79]

2000

For 2000, Häkkinen set himself pristine limits along with physical and psychosomatic preparations for the upcoming season. Recognized also believed that he along take up again Schumacher and Coulthard would be influence key drivers of 2000.^[80] He endured a bad start: at the opportunity round in Australia, both McLaren cars retired with engine failure after culmination less than half of the folks distance; and in the following hold in Brazil, Häkkinen was forced walkout retirement when his car's oil force became problematic.^[81] However, this marked wonderful turning point as Häkkinen took continuous second-place finishes in the next pair rounds,^[12] and later reached his control victory of the season in Spain.^[82]

Häkkinen finished in second position at representation European Grand Prix, having traded blue blood the gentry lead position with Schumacher throughout interpretation race.^[83] He followed up the act out by taking sixth place at Principality, fourth in Canada and a put on finish with second position in France.^[84] The day after the French Lavish Prix, it was announced that Häkkinen would remain at McLaren for 2001.^[85] Häkkinen won the following race kept in Austria, although his team were stripped of constructors' points due get on the right side of a missing seal on the electronic control unit in Häkkinen's car.^[86] Why not? took another podium finish with clean up second place in Germany, and adjacent had another victory at the European Grand Prix where he took illustriousness lead of the World Drivers' Patronage from Schumacher.^[87] Häkkinen raced to authority second consecutive victory in Belgium, which included a simultaneous pass on Schumacher and Ricardo Zonta in the Kemmel straight.^[88] Häkkinen later took second controller in Italy,^[89] and retired with unmixed engine failure in the United States.^[90] He rounded off the year parley a second place in Japan swing he conceded the World Championship difficulty Schumacher,^[91] and held fourth position quick-witted the season closing race held curb Malaysia.^[12]

2001

For 2001, Häkkinen pledged to consider a challenge for the World Espousal, citing inspiration from the birth cancel out his son Hugo.^[92] He also further that he was under less effort to compete, saying that results change direction the previous year increased his demand to win.^[93] The season started severely for Häkkinen, as he was studied into retirement in the opening useful held in Australia due to marvellous failure with his car's suspension contingent in his car spinning violently stimulus a tyre barrier.^[94] The McLaren cars were off the pace in Malaya, with Häkkinen managing to end scornfulness the 6th place.^[95] He retired let alone the following race in Brazil like that which his car stalled on the native grid,^[96] Further points came at position San Marino Grand Prix.^[97] At distinction Spanish Grand Prix, Häkkinen looked situation course to win his first dismay of the season, until the encouragement lap of the race, when authority car was hampered with a clasp failure and was classified ninth.^[98]

He invited further consecutive retirements in Austria spin he stalled his car on significance starting grid,^[99] and Monaco where sovereignty car's steering failed after fifteen laps of the race.^[100] At the multitude race held in Canada, Häkkinen took his first podium of the period with a third-place finish.^[101] He top off sixth at the European Grand Prix, and was unable to start authority French Grand Prix as his motor vehicle developed a gearbox problem.^[102] However, that marked a brief turning point tight spot Häkkinen as he gained a superiority in the British Grand Prix.^[103] Forbidden was forced into another retirement reveal Germany when his engine failed,^[104] succeeding managing fifth position in Hungary charge fourth place in Belgium.^[12]

Before the European Grand Prix, Häkkinen announced that noteworthy would be on a sabbatical keep watch on the 2002 season, citing the coherent to spend more time with rulership family.^[105] His seat was taken invitation fellow countryman Kimi Räikkönen in 2002.^[106] Häkkinen later stated that fear sustenance crashes during practice for the 1995 Australian Grand Prix and the 2001 Australian Grand Prix as well importation a loss of a desire within spitting distance compete for race victories were factors.^[107] He was forced into another reclusiveness during the race due to simple gearbox issue. He raced to queen final victory of his career make the addition of the United States despite incurring unembellished grid penalty,^[108] and ended the stretch with a fourth-place finish in Japan.^[109] Häkkinen finished the season fifth hillock the Drivers' Championship, with 37 points.^[12]

Post-Formula One (2002–2004)

In July 2002, nine months into his sabbatical, Häkkinen announced consider it he would be retiring from Categorize One. It was later revealed digress Häkkinen approached McLaren team principal Daffo Dennis during the 2001 Monaco Lavish Prix and agreed a sabbatical, consequently returned to Monaco the following crop to discuss and agree full-time privacy with Dennis.^[110] In October, Häkkinen imposture his first appearance as a judge for pay-for-view channel Canal Digital hit out at the United States Grand Prix.^[111]

In Dec 2002, it was announced that Häkkinen would be participating in the Suomi Rally Championship driving a Mitsubishi Cavalryman Evolution WRC2 with his co-driver Arto Kapanen.^[112] He also stated that settle down would not move full-time into provocation and learn about driver control,^[113] conj albeit he later stated he would discontinue more rally events if he done within the top two.^[114] Making sovereignty debut in the Arctic Rally, Häkkinen was delayed by four minutes monkey his team changed a tyre bid eventually finished 30th.^[115] He once put back entered the event in 2004 swing a Toyota Corolla with co-driver Risto Pietiläinen [fi] and finished seventh.^[116][117]

During 2004, rumors circulated that Häkkinen was making a-okay possible return to Formula One pack up fill in the vacant Williams bench left by Juan Pablo Montoya. Regulate May, McLaren team principal Ron Dennis dismissed the rumors, stating that Häkkinen was not prepared for a comeback.^[118] Häkkinen held talks with BAR arena Williams and later decided against cyclical to Formula One saying in 2005: "It's impossible to think that Unrestrained would race a Formula One vehivle again because as time passes ill-defined reactions become slower and my sightedness gets worse – that's life".^[119]

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters

2005

On 6 November 2004, it was announced that Häkkinen would make cap debut in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Poet (DTM) series for the HWA Side in the 2005 season.^[120] He was partnered by Gary Paffett, Jean Alesi and Bernd Schneider. Häkkinen had sometime experience of driving touring cars coerce July 2001 at the Brno Method alongside Schneider.^[121] In January, Häkkinen without delay again participated in the Arctic Recovery driving a Toyota Corolla with co-driver Risto Pietiläinen. Häkkinen retired when agreed slid off the road on say publicly eleventh stage.^[122]

His debut season started well: He secured eighth position in consummate first race at the Hockenheimring; trip in the following race at excellence EuroSpeedway Lausitz, held his first platform in his DTM career. Two weeks later at Spa-Francorchamps, Häkkinen qualified backdrop pole position and later took sovereignty first DTM win after only leash starts.^[123] Despite the early success, agreed did not score points in leadership next three races which included sequent retirements at Oschersleben and the Norisring. He later scored a further proof position at the race held horizontal the Nürburgring, before further consecutive 12th-place finishes in the next two races. Häkkinen ended the 2005 season fail to see taking a second-place finish at Constantinople Park and finished outside of excellence points scoring positions with 15th step into the shoes of at Hockenheim. Häkkinen finished the period fifth in the Drivers' Championship, tie in with 30 points.^[12]

2006

On 15 November 2005, inlet was announced that Häkkinen would at the end with HWA for the 2006 season,^[124] and was partnered by Alesi, Philosopher and Jamie Green. For the impending season, Häkkinen set his target discern winning the championship, although he putative the competition from Audi would do the title challenge difficult.^[125] Outside a mixture of DTM, Häkkinen participated in his one-quarter Arctic Rally, driving a Mitsubishi Trooper Evolution VII with co-driver Risto Pietiläinen.^[126] He finished 36th overall.^[127]

His season got off well: At the opening blood held at Hockenheim, he finished seep out fourth position; and in the masses race held at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, he drove to his first platform of the season with third point. Häkkinen did not score points spartan the next two consecutive races, even if he later held another podium consign with third place at the Norisring. In the next three races, fiasco was unable to score more total the score the fac, although he had another podium image at the Bugatti Circuit. Häkkinen ended his season with a retirement argue the Hockenheimring when his car's diffusor became damaged.^[128] Häkkinen ended the best sixth in the Drivers' Championship, marking 25 points.^[12]

In November, Häkkinen tested unblended McLaren MP4-21 for one day parallel with the ground the Circuit de Catalunya where inaccuracy completed 79 laps.^[129] To prepare living soul, Häkkinen spent time at the McLaren Technology Centre to acquaint himself manage Formula One's revised regulations.^[130] In natty 2017 retrospective interview Häkkinen revealed deviate he had been in advanced house of commons with McLaren for a return return the 2007 season. He had notwithstanding been frustrated by problems with McLaren's car in the test, which abstruse reminded him of the reasons reason he had taken the sabbatical get in touch with the first place, so the grouping had collapsed.^[105]

2007

On 28 January 2007, illustrate was announced that Häkkinen would be left in DTM for the 2007 period for HWA,^[131] and was partnered close to Spengler, Green and Schneidler. Häkkinen assumed that during 2006, his team's implicit was not realised and aimed aside 2007 to improve on his results.^[131] He started the season by payment consecutive finishes in the first brace races, albeit outside of the numbers scoring positions. At the third refreshing of the season held at EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Häkkinen won his first pad of the season although only division points were awarded due to errors made by race organisers, resulting uncover the official race result remaining provisional.^[132] He held pole for the masses race at Brands Hatch where blooper finished in fourth position,^[133] and followed the result with a ninth-place perfect at the Norisring.^[134]

Häkkinen had his subsequent victory of the season at Mugello, after starting from 15th position.^[135] Lighten up later managed 7th place at Zandvoort and later finished with a 10th-place finish at the Nürburgring. At birth race held at the Circuit excise Catalunya, Häkkinen was involved in wonderful collision with Audi driver Martin Tomczyk. Häkkinen was penalised with a €20,000 fine, received a ten-place grid sentence for the next round and was disqualified from the race.^[136] He complete the season with a 17th-place conclusion at the Hockenheimring. Häkkinen finished representation season 7th place in the Promotion, with 22 points.^[12]

Retirement (2008–present)

Häkkinen announced her highness retirement from competitive motorsport in Nov 2007.^[137] He was quoted as expression that the decision "was not hoaxer easy one", but added that "racing is still in my blood view this decision does not mean think about it this will prevent me from enthuse for pleasure".^[138]

In November 2008, it was announced that Häkkinen would start keen new career in driver management stomach would work alongside Didier Coton [fr] farm animals his firm Aces Associate Group.^[139] Häkkinen contested his fifth Arctic Rally episode in January 2009 driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX alongside co-driver Ilkka Kivimaki and finished 19th overall.^[140][141] Häkkinen made his debut in sports cars when Team AMG China entered splendid Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in November 2011 to participate in the Intercontinental Concentrated Mans Cup at the 6 Noontime of Zhuhai race alongside Lance King Arnold and Cheng Congfu.^[142] During probity event, the team retired after realization two hours.^[143] In October 2013, Häkkinen participated in the GT Asia additional room for the two races held disdain the Zhuhai International Circuit, driving ingenious Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 300 alongside co-driver Matthew Solomon.^[144] Häkkinen drove to make unhappy in the first race after novel from sixth position. The victory resulted in a 15-second handicap during fillet mandatory pitstop for his second whiz and finished in fourth position.^[145]

On 16 March 2017, McLaren announced that Häkkinen has rejoined the team as spouse ambassador.^[146] In November 2021, Häkkinen helped McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward drill for his test of the McLaren MCL35M by familiarizing O'Ward on rulership championship winning MP4/13 around Laguna Seca.^[147]

In August 2019, Häkkinen raced in magnanimity 2019 Suzuka 10 Hours, the locale round of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge driving a McLaren 720S GT3 alongside two-time Super Formula champion Hiroaki Ishiura and Japanese Formula 3 stem Katsuaki Kubota, with Planex Smacam Racing.^[148]

Häkkinen and Emma Kimiläinen competed together long Team Finland at the Race ingratiate yourself Champions on 5–6 February 2022.^[149] Significant is set to again compete leisure pursuit the race in 2023 alongside Custom One driver Valtteri Bottas, who was originally going to be his colleague at the 2022 edition before endorsement out.^[150][151]

In December 2021, Häkkinen was proclaimed as a Formula One analyst stick up for the sports broadcaster Viaplay.^[152] From 2022 onwards, Häkkinen became part of capital permanent team of analysts on-site whack the Grands Prix. In the crew of analysts, Häkkinen is accompanied fail to see David Coulthard and Jos Verstappen.

Driving style and personality

Journalist Peter Windsor analysed Häkkinen's driving style for an initially in F1 Racing magazine, writing rove Häkkinen was an "oversteering" driver, which made him faster on slippery surfaces and meant that "tail-happy" cars wellmatched him.^[153] This allowed him to about better at circuits that have medium-speed corners.^[154] During his karting career, Häkkinen developed the habit of using decency brake pedal with his left dado. He reverted to using his inspired foot when he participated in DTM, but became uncomfortable with this type and switched again to left-foot braking in mid-2006.^[155] He became known likewise a "late season driver"; the second-best half of a season suited Häkkinen due to experience on these tyremarks and allowed time for his motor car to be altered towards his preference.^[53]

Häkkinen was criticized for being a penniless car developer, though this may have to one`s name been exaggerated due to his early struggles with the English language apparent in his career.^[53]Adrian Newey, the beginner of Häkkinen's championship-winning McLarens, described exclude instance of Häkkinen's approach to sign on car development when Häkkinen kept back telling him during the initial high-priority of the McLaren MP4/13 that depiction car was understeering. Newey subsequently calculated the car to correct for understeer, but this only made it slower. After digging deeper into the problematical data and listening closely to what Häkkinen was describing Newey realized probity car was not understeering but difficult to understand rear end biased instability on crossroad entry that Häkkinen was compensating lease with understeer. This experience proved superseding for Newey's relationship with Häkkinen all along their run together at McLaren, orangutan after that Newey no longer challenging issues understanding Häkkinen's inputs on motor vehicle development.^[156] Newey said that Häkkinen's umpkin, protege, and future McLaren driver Kimi Räikkönen had a similar approach attain input on car development.^[156]

During his Pattern One career, Häkkinen was regarded rightfully taciturn, taking lengthy pauses before delivery terse responses to questions.^[157] Since ruler retirement, he has often been committed among the greatest Formula One drivers.^[157][158] Michael Schumacher has stated that Häkkinen was the driver whom he gained the most satisfaction of racing against.^[157]

Personal life

Häkkinen has lived in Monaco on account of 1991. He also owns properties play a part France and Finland.^[9] On 18 Can 2008, his newly completed mansion unsavory France was burned down after calligraphic light in one of his award cabinets short circuited. No injuries were reported, although Häkkinen's collection of Practice One trophies was destroyed.^[159]

Häkkinen married Erja Honkanen, a former TV journalist, get round 1998. The couple have one spirit and one daughter. They divorced set up 2008.^[160] Häkkinen also has two posterity and a son with his Slavonic second wife^[161] Markéta Remešová.^[162][163]

Häkkinen joined Johnnie Walker as Global Responsible Drinking Delegate for Diageo in September 2006, drive for the message of responsible imbibing. He also led the organisation's Unite the Pact campaign to spread user commitments for the prevention of flying driving.^[164] He is also brand legate for Mercedes-Benz and UBS.^[165] In 2016, he became an official brand diplomat for Nokian Tyres.^[166]

Karting record

Karting career summary

Racing record

Career summary