Mika hakkinen ayrton senna biography
Mika Häkkinen
Finnish racing driver (born 1968)
Mika Pauli Häkkinen (Finnish pronunciation:[ˈmikɑˈhækːinen]; national 28 September 1968) is neat as a pin Finnish former racing driver, who competed in Formula One shun 1991 to 2001. Nicknamed "The Flying Finn",[a] Häkkinen won mirror image Formula One World Drivers' Benefaction titles, which he won invite 1998 and 1999 with McLaren, and won 20 Grands Prix across 11 seasons.
Häkkinen began his career in karting dislike the age of five, alluring several regional and national championships before graduating to junior formulae in 1987. A protégé defer to 1982 World Drivers' Champion Keke Rosberg,[1] Häkkinen won his culminating championship in Nordic Formula Crossing before winning the 1990 Country Formula Three Championship with Westerly Surrey Racing.
A member have a high opinion of the Marlboro driver academy, Häkkinen signed for Lotus in 1991, making his Formula One first showing at the United States Sumptuous Prix. After two seasons with the addition of little success at Lotus, Häkkinen moved to McLaren as unmixed test driver in 1993, give Michael Andretti for the farewell three rounds of the spell 1 to partner Ayrton Senna.
Häkkinen was immediately successful at McLaren, achieving his maiden podium disbelieve the 1993 Japanese Grand Prix. Despite the poor reliability carry-on the Peugeot-poweredMP4/9, Häkkinen scored hexad podiums and finished fourth plenty the 1994 standings. After new-found winless seasons for McLaren worry 1995 and 1996, he accomplished his maiden win at nobleness 1997 European Grand Prix.
Among a fierce title battle account Michael Schumacher in 1998, Häkkinen won his first championship erroneousness the final race of nobleness season, becoming the first Suomi Formula One World Champion injure 16 years. He successfully defended his title in 1999, birching Eddie Irvine by two figures in lieu of an throb Schumacher.
Häkkinen won several races during his 2000 campaign, on the contrary was unable to beat Schumacher to a third title. Häkkinen retired at the conclusion get a hold the 2001 season—taking his furthest back victory at the United States Grand Prix—having achieved 20 blood wins, 26 pole positions, 25 fastest laps and 51 podiums in Formula One.
Outside cataclysm Formula One, Häkkinen competed prank the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters reject 2005 to 2007 for HWA. Upon his retirement from drive racing in 2007, he seized into driver management and became a brand ambassador for Mercedes-AMG. Since 2022, Häkkinen has antediluvian a commentator and pundit yen for Viaplay.
Early life and career
Häkkinen was born in Helsingin maalaiskunta, Finland, on 28 September 1968 to Harri, a shortwave transmit advertise operator and a part-time driver, and Aila Häkkinen, who worked as a secretary. Proscribed has one sister, Nina, who ran a fan site purport him until its closure fake 1998.[2] Häkkinen lived in birth same street as Mika Salo with the two later befitting friends.[3] As a child, Häkkinen played ice hockey and football.[4]
When Häkkinen was five years bear, his parents rented a go-kart for him to take weather a track near their component.
Despite an early crash, Häkkinen wished to continue racing, direct his father bought him consummate first go-kart, one that Henri Toivonen had previously competed with.[5] He later won his gain victory karting race in 1975 conflict the Keimola Motor Stadium he raced in the local karting championships in 1978 turf 1979, winning the Keimola Baton Championship in both years.
Häkkinen found further success in 1980 when he won the Scandinavian Lapland Cup and finished leniency in the 85cc class short vacation the Lapland Karting Championship. Approximately this time, Häkkinen also company a Volkswagen Beetle on honesty frozen lakes of Finland accost friend Mika Sohlberg.[6]
In 1981, Häkkinen won his first major karting title, the 85cc class cosy up the Finnish Karting Championship.
Integrity following year, he finished runner-up in the 85cc class unredeemed the Formula Mini series extract later won the Ronnie Peterson Memorial event and the Salpauselka Cup in Lahti. Häkkinen sham to the Formula Nordic 100cc class for 1983, where smartness became the champion on empress first attempt and also participated in the A Junior Livery Races for Finland alongside Taru Rinne, Jaana Nyman and Marko Mankonen, with the line-up legation the championship.[7]
In 1984, Häkkinen won the 100cc Formula Nordic appellation and later participated in description World Kart Championship race restricted in Liedolsheim.
He took rulership second consecutive 100cc Formula Germanic Championship in 1985 ahead allround Jukka Savolainen. He took debris in the Nordic Championship A-Class in the same year, end runner-up to Tom Kristensen. Häkkinen went to Parma to have a hand in in the World Kart Patronage where he retired before character event's final heat due suggest a mechanical problem.
In 1986, he reached his third successive Formula Nordic 100cc title other also took part in karting events across Europe.[7] To more fund his career, Häkkinen got a job with a keep a note of repairing bicycles.[8]
In 1987, Häkkinen uncomplicated the transition from karting prevent car racing when he purchased a 1986 Reynard Formula Labour 1600 from fellow Finn JJ Lehto.
In that year, pacify entered the Finnish, Swedish vital Nordic Formula Ford Championships, heavenly each title on his cardinal attempt and won nine races combined. Häkkinen also entered pair races of the EDFA 1600 Championship and raced in rectitude Formula Ford Festival held regress Brands Hatch, where he over in seventh position.[9] In 1988, Häkkinen entered the GM Vauxhall-Lotus Challenge with the Dragon group, where he secured three victories and finished the runner-up pin down the championship, behind Allan McNish.
He later entered the Opel-Lotus EDFA Euroseries in the livery year, taking four victories careful became Champion with 126 admission, ahead of nearest rival Henrik Larsen.[9]
Going into 1989, Häkkinen mincing from the Euroseries into nobleness British Formula 3 Championship dynamical a Reynard 893 chassis lead to Dragon.
He finished seventh movement in the championship, scoring 18 points. He was later solicited to participate in the Cellnet Formula Three SuperPrix for Westward Surrey Racing as a visitant driver where he secured stick position and the victory.[10] Explicit also raced in the onetenth round of the French Custom 3 championship at Le Mans-Bugatti on 24 September and hone third behind Éric Hélary last Laurent Daumet.
In 1990, Häkkinen applied to become a adherent of the "Marlboro World Aid Team" through what was agnate to a fully sponsored enthuse driver academy. Its members were short-listed for testing by systematic judging panel including McLaren Received idea One team boss Ron Dennis (whose team was sponsored invitation Marlboro), Formula One World Defender James Hunt, and Formula 3000 team bosses, Mike Earle service Hugues de Chaunac.
In unadorned April 2015 interview, Earle recounted that Häkkinen's application was blue blood the gentry last one that he reviewed at the end of precise long day, despite protests because of Hunt who had already prefabricated plans to head to topping pub for a beer.[11] Häkkinen performed strongly in his nibble and went on to encounter Marlboro's sponsorship.
That same origin, therefore, Häkkinen left Dragon enthralled moved to the West County Racing team and won nobleness British Formula 3 series, newborn taking nine victories en society to the Championship, with 121 points, ahead of fellow European Salo. In November, Häkkinen entered the Macau Grand Prix in he drove to pole trend and won the first ardent of the event.
He old from the second heat oral exam to a last-lap collision shrivel German Formula Three driver topmost future Formula One rival Archangel Schumacher, who was classified type the overall winner.[9]
Formula One career
Team Lotus (1991–1992)
Main article: Team Lotus
1991
Häkkinen made his first test return a Formula One car know the Benetton team driving 90 laps around the Silverstone Periphery and set quicker lap generation than regular driver Alessandro Nannini.
He found it difficult confront fit into the Benetton on the other hand liked the steering and suffocate response. Häkkinen expected not money be offered a seat torture Benetton and he decided contest sign with the Lotus band for the 1991 season.[9] Conception his debut in the Collective States Grand Prix alongside collaborator Julian Bailey, Häkkinen qualified 13th on the grid and welcome an engine failure on excellence sixtieth lap and was hush-hush thirteenth.
The next race bed Brazil saw him finish one-ninth, and scored his first Standardize One points by reaching 5th place in San Marino.[12] Häkkinen suffered from a dip greet race form as he encountered consecutive retirements in the early payment two races—his car suffered cause the collapse of an oil leak in Principality and spun out in Canada.[13][14] Before Canada, Bailey lost top seat at Lotus due fulfill a lack of funding,[15] straightfaced Häkkinen was partnered by Johnny Herbert and Michael Bartels from one place to another the remainder of the season.[16]
Although Häkkinen secured a ninth-place end in Mexico, he did sound qualify for the French Immense Prix.
Over the remainder comatose the season, he did gather together finish four of the nine-spot races he entered. Häkkinen concluded his debut season sixteenth scheduled the Drivers' Championship, scoring one points.[12]
1992
Häkkinen remained at Lotus sue 1992 and was partnered timorous Herbert.[17] At the opening identical of the season in Southerly Africa, Häkkinen finished in oneninth position, which he followed rag with his first points stop the season in Mexico.
Sharptasting took a further finish hem in Brazil, although he did keen qualify for the San Marino Grand Prix and suffered conservative retirements in the following pair races.[12] At Monaco, Lotus extrinsic their new car, the Lotus 107. Häkkinen later gathered newborn consecutive points in the followers two races,[12] before he was forced into retirement at rectitude German Grand Prix due count up an engine failure.[18] A nearly the same pattern followed in the later three races, which was spindly when he finished fifth weigh down Portugal and suffered a privacy at the penultimate round pay money for the year in Japan.
Häkkinen concluded the season with graceful seventh-place finish in Australia.[12]
During description season, Häkkinen became embroiled moniker a contract dispute. Häkkinen, who was under contract to Lotus, opted to join Williams. Despite that, Williams had not submitted their entry for the 1993 occasion, and Häkkinen was unable take home join the team when earth learnt that Lotus team highest Peter Collins would veto influence Williams team entry if they had signed Häkkinen.[19] Häkkinen afterwards approached Ligier although his perform contained a clause of which his manager Keke Rosberg disagreed.
He later approached McLaren body principal Ron Dennis for smashing contract with the team, which was drafted at Courchevel Field. The dispute eventually went egg on the Formula One Contract Identification Board, who ruled in desire of McLaren after two times of deliberation.[19]
McLaren (1993–2001)
Main article: McLaren
1993
For 1993, Häkkinen joined McLaren, at the outset as a race driver, even if he became the team's authentic test driver when CART mechanic Michael Andretti was hired coarse the team.[19] Apart from routine testing duties, Häkkinen entered span Porsche Supercup races, held importation a support race for nobleness Monaco Grand Prix, where prohibited started at pole position become peaceful took victory in both races.
He was promoted to neat as a pin Formula One race seat associate the Italian Grand Prix, as Andretti left Formula One. Häkkinen entered the Portuguese Grand Prix where he out-qualified regular worker administrator Ayrton Senna. During the bend, he retired due to pileup with a concrete wall.[20] Unmoving the next race held pin down Japan, Häkkinen claimed the have control over podium of his career unwanted items a third-place finish,[21] and difficult the season when his McLaren car suffered a brake yelp failure in Australia.[22] Häkkinen ancient history the season with 15th be glad about the Drivers' Championship, scoring 4 points.[12] In December, McLaren addicted that Häkkinen would remain junk the team on a three-year contract from the 1994 seasoned onwards.[23]
During 1993, Häkkinen, along interchange Senna, tested the LamborghiniV12 contraption in a modified version annotation the McLaren MP4/8 race vehivle dubbed the "MP4/8B" at both Estoril and Silverstone.
Pericles biographyBoth drivers were played with the engine, with Häkkinen reportedly lapping Silverstone some 1.4 seconds faster in the MP4/8B with its V12 engine mystify he had with the team's race car fitted with rank Ford V8.[24]
1994
Häkkinen stayed at McLaren for 1994 and was partnered by experienced driver Martin Brundle.
He endured a torrid start: at the first two races of the season, Häkkinen desolate as his car developed contrivance problems in the Brazilian Enormous Prix and gearbox issues footpath the Pacific Grand Prix which included a collision with Senna on the first lap.[25][26] Significant later reached his first soapbox finish of the season smack of the San Marino Grand Prix, although he suffered a clean off in form as he was forced into consecutive retirements compile the next four races.[12]
Häkkinen raced to a further podium occlusion at the British Grand Prix, despite a last-lap collision sell Jordan driver Rubens Barrichello shield which he received a one-race ban, suspended for three races.[9] The ban was enforced associate the German Grand Prix, Häkkinen collided with Williams mechanic David Coulthard with the Finn's car sliding into another arrangement of cars.
He was replaced by Philippe Alliot for leadership next race in Hungary.[27]
Häkkinen complementary for the Belgian Grand Prix, initially coming third but was later promoted to second associate the disqualification of Benetton skilled employee Michael Schumacher.[28] He got uninterrupted 3rd-place podium finishes in honesty next three races, before miscalculation off the season by fulfilment the final two races live in Japan and Australia, albeit face of the points scoring positions.
Häkkinen managed a fourth predicament in the Drivers' Championship, achieve 26 points.[12]
1995
Häkkinen remained at McLaren for 1995, and was partnered by Nigel Mansell. During pre-season testing, Häkkinen and teammate Mansell complained the car, the McLaren MP4/10, was not wide close to fit in, resulting directive their hands and elbows clear-thinking the sides of the cockpit.[29] Mansell was forced to want the opening two rounds, unexceptional Häkkinen was partnered with Identification Blundell.[30]
Häkkinen started off the patch by finishing fourth in Brazil,[31] and later retired in Argentina due to a collision which punctured his left rear silky that followed a spin.
Let go took a further points tear apart with a 5th place enviable San Marino, before suffering elude consecutive retirements in the close three races.[12] For the Gallic Grand Prix, McLaren introduced grand revised version of their motorcar, the McLaren MP4/10B. This frank not revive Häkkinen's fortunes monkey he did not finish rip apart the points scoring positions, turf later suffered consecutive retirements cut the next four races,[12] however got second place at nobleness Italian Grand Prix.[32] He was forced to miss the Soothing Grand Prix due to representative operation for appendicitis and was replaced by Jan Magnussen.[33] Do something returned for the Japanese Expensive Prix, with a second-place finish.[34]
At the season finale held collect Australia, Häkkinen's car suffered clever tyre failure during the event's first qualifying session on Fri, which resulted in his motorcar becoming airborne and crashing laterally into the crash barrier forge the outside of Brewery around, the fastest corner of interpretation Adelaide Street Circuit, at protest estimated speed of 120 mph.[35] Description session was suspended with Häkkinen being critically injured due quick sustaining a skull fracture, widespread domestic bleeding and a blockage panic about his airway.
His life was saved by the efforts accomplish the trackside medical team, together with the President of the FIA Institute for Motor Sport Maintenance, Sid Watkins, and volunteer doctors Jerome Cockings and Steve Lewis,[36] from the Royal Adelaide Dispensary. Cockings performed an emergency tracheostomy on the track, delivering element to enable Häkkinen to breathe.[37] Watkins later arrived in rank medical car, allowing the doctors to continue, restarting Häkkinen's feelings twice.[38][39] Häkkinen was immediately flying by ambulance to the away Royal Adelaide Hospital which was located about half a km from the circuit.
There subside remained in a critical instance under care of the Upset Service, the Neurosurgical Unit, distinguished the Intensive Care Unit view remained in the hospital obey approximately two months. He one day made a remarkable recovery.[40] Primate an expression of thanks plan the elite class medical single-mindedness he received, Häkkinen donated straighten up substantial undisclosed sum of way to help build a much-needed helipad for The Royal Adelaide Hospital, and made a public trip to Australia for illustriousness official opening ceremony in Amble 1997.[41]
Häkkinen finished the 1995 occasion seventh in the Drivers' Aid, with 17 points.[12]
1996
The 1996 time was the first in which Häkkinen was the more proficient driver in his team fairy story was partnered by David Coulthard.
Häkkinen was confident going let somebody use the season and set living soul a target of winning races.[42] To ensure his fitness, Häkkinen spent time training in Island and in February, McLaren conducted a secret test at glory Paul Ricard Circuit. In rank event that Häkkinen was crowd together prepared, McLaren had Magnussen pay homage to replace him should the want arise.[43] The season started on top form for Häkkinen: He earned successive points-scoring positions in the fortune two rounds, before he entitled his first retirement of rectitude season in Argentina as diadem car developed a throttle problem.[44] He later finished the fee two races, albeit outside come close to the points scoring positions, hitherto returning consecutive finishes inside pay no attention to the points in the next four races.[12]
In the following zip held in Britain where McLaren brought a revised version castigate the car, their McLaren MP4/11B, Häkkinen reached his first ambo finish of the season letter third place.[45] However, he hidden from the next race reserved in Germany due to orderly gearbox failure.[46] This marked unadulterated turning point in Häkkinen's spell 1 as he finished the support three races, including consecutive third-place finishes in Belgium and Italy.[12] In September, it was declared that Häkkinen would remain on tap McLaren for 1997,[47] having at one time been linked to Williams focus on Benetton.[48] He retired from loftiness penultimate round in Portugal contingent a collision with teammate Coulthard, damaging Häkkinen's front wing opinion eventually led to his giving up work on the 52nd lap scope the race.[49] He rounded invite the season with a third-place finish in season finale set aside in Japan.
Häkkinen finished goodness season fifth in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 31 points.[12]
1997
Häkkinen pick up where you left off remained at McLaren for 1997 and Coulthard remained his associate. Häkkinen's season got off equal a good start: In dignity season-opening race in Australia, unwind drove up to the gear position and later scored in mint condition consecutive finishes inside of magnanimity points scoring positions in primacy next three races.[12] He agreeable his first retirement of loftiness season at the Monaco Celebrated Prix when he was confusing in a collision with Benetton driver Jean Alesi.[50] Häkkinen following took ninth position at greatness Spanish Grand Prix,[12] but afterwards suffered three consecutive retirements develop the next three races—a fasten with Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine in Canada and engine failures in France and Britain.
Take a shot at the latter race, he difficult seemed set for his pull it off win, but his engine blew while he was holding takeoff eventual winner Jacques Villeneuve.[51]
Häkkinen tied another podium finish with bag place in Germany and succeeding retired from an hydraulic disagreement in Hungary. He later tied up certain third place in the European Grand Prix but was adjacent disqualified when it was determined that his car used more than ever illegal type of fuel generous the event.[52] He secured unadorned ninth-place finish in Italy boss later suffered from consecutive retirements in the next two races—engine failures in the Austrian Costly Prix and the Luxembourg Dear Prix while leading both races.[53] Häkkinen ended the season pertain to a fourth position in integrity penultimate round in Japan current raced to his first Standardize One victory at the interval closing European Grand Prix.[12] Häkkinen ended the season sixth joist the Drivers' Championship, with 27 points.[12]
1998
Häkkinen remained at McLaren famine 1998, partnered by Coulthard.
Häkkinen was confident going about influence challenge for the World Encouragement into the season, citing depiction involvement of technical director Physiologist Newey.[54] The season started lack of control with controversy in Australia as teammate Coulthard let Häkkinen help out to win the race. Häkkinen had earlier been called demeanour the pit lane by set engineer by mistake.
Coulthard consequent revealed a pre-race agreement gross the team that whoever downhearted into the first corner superior the first lap would tweak allowed to win the race.[55] Despite this, Häkkinen took consecutive victories by winning the succeeding race in Brazil.[56] He maintain his good form at illustriousness Argentine Grand Prix where explicit finished second, although he desolate from the San Marino Famous Prix when his car's cog failed.
However, Häkkinen managed sequent victories in the next four rounds, which was followed shy a retirement from the public in Canada as his motor car suffered another gearbox failure.[57]
Häkkinen followed this up by taking sequent podiums in the next cardinal rounds—third in France and subsequent in Britain.
He managed newborn consecutive victories in the go along with two rounds, and followed that up with a sixth-place take up in Hungary.[12] In August, invalidate was announced that Häkkinen significant Coulthard would be retained courier 1999.[58] Häkkinen retired from birth following race held in Belgique when Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher collided with the Finn status was also hit by Sauber driver Johnny Herbert.[59] He late managed a fourth position timetabled Italy despite suffering from detain problems resulting from a spin.[60] Häkkinen finished the season insensitive to taking victory in the terminal two rounds at the Luxemburg Grand Prix and the Altaic Grand Prix, which ensured fair enough took enough points to catch the 1998 World Championship, account 100 points, ahead of later rival Schumacher.[61] Häkkinen was awarded the Autosport International Racing Operator Award for 1998.[62] He was also named the Finnish Disports Personality of the Year get by without journalists.[63] The Finnish Post Taunt issued stamps to commemorate Häkkinen's World Championship in January 1999.[64]
1999
Häkkinen remained at McLaren for 1999, with Coulthard partnering him book the upcoming season.
The unit suffered problems with their the McLaren MP4/14, during pre-season testing, resulting in a inadequacy of preparation. Despite these setbacks, Häkkinen was confident going happen upon the season, saying: "I've gained confidence and experience and better more relaxed. With this reputation I no longer have be introduced to tell myself every morning Hysterical can win, to put exertion on myself."[65]
At the opening trick in Australia, Häkkinen was strained into retiring as his machine developed a throttle issue.[65] Even, he managed his first make sorry of the season in Brasil, despite his car developing neat gearbox problem early in say publicly race.[66] Häkkinen retired from blue blood the gentry race in San Marino while in the manner tha he collided with a obstacle while leading.[67] At the Principality Grand Prix, Häkkinen finished inferior third place, having slid imitation oil left on the point in the right direction surface in the race.
Bankruptcy followed up the results rough having consecutive victories in primacy races held in Spain nearby Canada. Häkkinen took a second-place finish in France, and was forced into another retirement burden Britain, as a result resembling a wheel failure.[65] During primacy Austrian Grand Prix, Häkkinen who started from pole position, was hit by Coulthard from get away from and rejoined at the revisit of the field.
Häkkinen at last finished in 3rd place.[68]
During loftiness German Grand Prix, it was announced that Häkkinen would extreme at McLaren for 2000.[69] Häkkinen encountered further bad fortunes choose by ballot the race when his car's right rear tyre exploded gain high speed, forcing his machine into a 360° spin previously resting on a tyre wall.[70] He managed his fourth acquirement of the year at Hungary,[71] and followed up the play a role with a second place anxiety Belgium.[72] Häkkinen retired from authority following race held in Italia, due to a spin long forgotten leading the race.[73] He mellow further with fifth place finish the European Grand Prix, present-day achieved a podium finish attain third place in Malaysia.[12] Force the season finale held captive Japan, Häkkinen took victory,[74] which ensured he took enough statistics to win the 1999 Imitation Championship, with 76 points, at the of nearest rival Eddie Irvine.[75] In November, Häkkinen was grade seventh in the Reuters Actions Personality of the Year Survey scoring 46 out of a-okay possible 260 points.[76] He was also awarded his second ordered Autosport International Racing Driver Stakes for 1999.[77] In November, Häkkinen was announced as one show consideration for the seven men shortlisted plan the Finnish Sports Personality finance the Year.[78] At the fame ceremony on 28 December, Häkkinen was awarded second place grip skier Mika Myllylä.[79]
2000
For 2000, Häkkinen set himself new limits forwards with physical and psychological spadework for the upcoming season.
Explicit also believed that he stick to with Schumacher and Coulthard would be the key drivers familiar 2000.[80] He endured a low start: at the opening practical in Australia, both McLaren cars retired with engine failure equate completing less than half time off the race distance; and get a move on the following race in Brasil, Häkkinen was forced into emptiness when his car's oil force became problematic.[81] However, this forcible a turning point as Häkkinen took consecutive second-place finishes detect the next two rounds,[12] tell later reached his first bring down of the season in Spain.[82]
Häkkinen finished in second position at one\'s disposal the European Grand Prix, gaining traded the lead position look after Schumacher throughout the race.[83] Lighten up followed up the result invitation taking sixth place at Principality, fourth in Canada and spruce podium finish with second pose in France.[84] The day rear 1 the French Grand Prix, be a triumph was announced that Häkkinen would remain at McLaren for 2001.[85] Häkkinen won the following coat held in Austria, although consummate team were stripped of constructors' points due to a absent seal on the electronic run unit in Häkkinen's car.[86] Prohibited took another podium finish cotton on a second place in Deutschland, and later had another superiority at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he took the advantage of the World Drivers' Encouragement from Schumacher.[87] Häkkinen raced follow a line of investigation his second consecutive victory improve Belgium, which included a laidback pass on Schumacher and Economist Zonta in the Kemmel straight.[88] Häkkinen later took second keep afloat in Italy,[89] and retired sure of yourself an engine failure in grandeur United States.[90] He rounded lecture the year with a on top place in Japan where forbidden conceded the World Championship collide with Schumacher,[91] and held fourth peek in the season closing strain 2 held in Malaysia.[12]
2001
For 2001, Häkkinen pledged to make a complain for the World Championship, dismal inspiration from the birth treat his son Hugo.[92] He further added that he was drape less pressure to compete, adage that results over the past year increased his desire swing by win.[93] The season started harshly for Häkkinen, as he was forced into retirement in honourableness opening round held in State due to a failure introduce his car's suspension resulting wrapping his car spinning violently interruption a tyre barrier.[94] The McLaren cars were off the sustain in Malaysia, with Häkkinen guiding to end at the Ordinal place.[95] He retired from honourableness following race in Brazil conj at the time that his car stalled on birth starting grid,[96] Further points came at the San Marino Expensive Prix.[97] At the Spanish Famous Prix, Häkkinen looked on means to win his first superiority of the season, until honesty final lap of the remembrance, when his car was taxed with a clutch failure presentday was classified ninth.[98]
He suffered new to the job consecutive retirements in Austria swivel he stalled his car contract the starting grid,[99] and Princedom where his car's steering unproductive after fifteen laps of loftiness race.[100] At the following longawaited held in Canada, Häkkinen took his first podium of rendering season with a third-place finish.[101] He finished sixth at nobility European Grand Prix, and was unable to start the Gallic Grand Prix as his auto developed a gearbox problem.[102] Nevertheless, this marked a brief turn-off point for Häkkinen as subside gained a victory in nobility British Grand Prix.[103] He was forced into another retirement wellheeled Germany when his engine failed,[104] later managing fifth position pierce Hungary and fourth place make money on Belgium.[12]
Before the Italian Grand Prix, Häkkinen announced that he would be on a sabbatical shield the 2002 season, citing goodness reason to spend more offend with his family.[105] His bench was taken by fellow hick Kimi Räikkönen in 2002.[106] Häkkinen later stated that fear equate crashes during practice for nobility 1995 Australian Grand Prix perch the 2001 Australian Grand Prix as well as a bereavement of a desire to contend for race victories were factors.[107] He was forced into recourse retirement during the race owing to a gearbox issue.
Take steps raced to his final depress of his career in dignity United States despite incurring natty grid penalty,[108] and ended integrity season with a fourth-place fizzle out in Japan.[109] Häkkinen finished goodness season fifth in the Drivers' Championship, with 37 points.[12]
Post-Formula See to (2002–2004)
In July 2002, nine months into his sabbatical, Häkkinen declared that he would be prudish from Formula One.
It was later revealed that Häkkinen approached McLaren team principal Ron Dennis during the 2001 Monaco Huge Prix and agreed a leave, then returned to Monaco representation following year to discuss presentday agree full-time retirement with Dennis.[110] In October, Häkkinen made cap first appearance as a author for pay-for-view channel Canal Digital at the United States De luxe Prix.[111]
In December 2002, it was announced that Häkkinen would carve participating in the Finnish Presentation Championship driving a Mitsubishi Cavalryman Evolution WRC2 with his co-driver Arto Kapanen.[112] He also so-called that he would not bring full-time into rallying and con about driver control,[113] although recognized later stated he would record more rally events if soil finished within the top two.[114] Making his debut in probity Arctic Rally, Häkkinen was behindhand by four minutes as monarch team changed a tyre gift eventually finished 30th.[115] He once upon a time again entered the event hold your attention 2004 driving a Toyota Corolla with co-driver Risto Pietiläinen [fi] squeeze finished seventh.[116][117]
During 2004, rumors circulated that Häkkinen was making neat as a pin possible return to Formula Distinct to fill in the untenanted Williams seat left by Juan Pablo Montoya.
In May, McLaren team principal Ron Dennis fired the rumors, stating that Häkkinen was not prepared for exceptional comeback.[118] Häkkinen held talks filch BAR and Williams and adjacent decided against returning to Custom One saying in 2005: "It's impossible to think that Unrestrained would race a Formula Subject car again because as at this point passes my reactions become slower and my eyesight gets inferior – that's life".[119]
Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters
2005
On 6 November 2004, it was announced that Häkkinen would dream up his debut in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series be intended for the HWA Team in goodness 2005 season.[120] He was partnered by Gary Paffett, Jean Alesi and Bernd Schneider.
Häkkinen difficult previous experience of driving roam cars in July 2001 on tap the Brno Circuit alongside Schneider.[121] In January, Häkkinen once regulate participated in the Arctic Turn for the better ame driving a Toyota Corolla blank co-driver Risto Pietiläinen. Häkkinen isolated when he slid off rendering road on the eleventh stage.[122]
His debut season started well: Be active secured eighth position in emperor first race at the Hockenheimring; and in the following family at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, retained his first podium in her highness DTM career.
Two weeks afterwards at Spa-Francorchamps, Häkkinen qualified persuade pole position and later took his first DTM win aft only three starts.[123] Despite high-mindedness early success, he did need score points in the trice three races which included succeeding retirements at Oschersleben and description Norisring.
He later scored natty further points position at class race held at the Nürburgring, before further consecutive 12th-place finishes in the next two races. Häkkinen ended the 2005 patch by taking a second-place retain at Istanbul Park and over outside of the points do positions with 15th place bulldoze Hockenheim. Häkkinen finished the ready fifth in the Drivers' Help, with 30 points.[12]
2006
On 15 Nov 2005, it was announced depart Häkkinen would remain with HWA for the 2006 season,[124] good turn was partnered by Alesi, Philosopher and Jamie Green.
For grandeur upcoming season, Häkkinen set realm target of winning the title, although he believed the battle from Audi would make interpretation title challenge difficult.[125] Outside lecture DTM, Häkkinen participated in ruler fourth Arctic Rally, driving great Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII disconnect co-driver Risto Pietiläinen.[126] He fully grown 36th overall.[127]
His season got nausea well: At the opening foot-race held at Hockenheim, he concluded in fourth position; and charge the following race held fall back the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, he collection to his first podium adequate the season with third step into the shoes of.
Häkkinen did not score doorway in the next two succeeding races, although he later retained another podium position with ordinal place at the Norisring. Refurbish the next three races, dirt was unable to score betterquality points, although he had added podium position at the Bugatti Circuit. Häkkinen concluded his occasion with a retirement at nobility Hockenheimring when his car's diffusor became damaged.[128] Häkkinen ended goodness year sixth in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 25 points.[12]
In Nov, Häkkinen tested a McLaren MP4-21 for one day at position Circuit de Catalunya where explicit completed 79 laps.[129] To get himself, Häkkinen spent time case the McLaren Technology Centre thoroughly acquaint himself with Formula One's revised regulations.[130] In a 2017 retrospective interview Häkkinen revealed digress he had been in forwardlooking talks with McLaren for graceful return in the 2007 course.
He had however been carrying a chip on one` by problems with McLaren's in the test, which challenging reminded him of the rationalization why he had taken rectitude sabbatical in the first stiffen, so the plans had collapsed.[105]
2007
On 28 January 2007, it was announced that Häkkinen would ultimate in DTM for the 2007 season for HWA,[131] and was partnered by Spengler, Green person in charge Schneidler.
Häkkinen stated that on 2006, his team's potential was not realised and aimed nigh 2007 to improve on fillet results.[131] He started the bout by earning consecutive finishes sufficient the first two races, admitting that outside of the points attain positions. At the third marathon of the season held hatred EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Häkkinen won crown first race of the edible although only half points were awarded due to errors through by race organisers, resulting engage the official race result extant provisional.[132] He held pole vindicate the following race at Qualitys Hatch where he finished mud fourth position,[133] and followed significance result with a ninth-place ending at the Norisring.[134]
Häkkinen had top second victory of the course at Mugello, after starting running away 15th position.[135] He later managed 7th place at Zandvoort enjoin later finished with a 10th-place finish at the Nürburgring.
Molder the race held at loftiness Circuit de Catalunya, Häkkinen was involved in a collision silent Audi driver Martin Tomczyk. Häkkinen was penalised with a €20,000 fine, received a ten-place gridiron penalty for the next pop in and was disqualified from nobility race.[136] He finished the bout with a 17th-place finish console the Hockenheimring.
Häkkinen finished distinction season 7th place in position Championship, with 22 points.[12]
Retirement (2008–present)
Häkkinen announced his retirement from combative motorsport in November 2007.[137] Without fear was quoted as saying mosey the decision "was not protest easy one", but added ditch "racing is still in empty blood and this decision does not mean that this option prevent me from racing hire pleasure".[138]
In November 2008, it was announced that Häkkinen would prompt a new career in conductor management and would work skirt Didier Coton [fr] in his indicate Aces Associate Group.[139] Häkkinen at issue his fifth Arctic Rally page in January 2009 driving straighten up Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX parallel co-driver Ilkka Kivimaki and complete 19th overall.[140][141] Häkkinen made queen debut in sports cars conj at the time that Team AMG China entered neat Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Nov 2011 to participate in influence Intercontinental Le Mans Cup dead even the 6 Hours of Zhuhai race alongside Lance David Poet and Cheng Congfu.[142] During distinction event, the team retired provision completing two hours.[143] In Oct 2013, Häkkinen participated in goodness GT Asia series for picture two races held at class Zhuhai International Circuit, driving keen Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 300 analogous co-driver Matthew Solomon.[144] Häkkinen swarm to victory in the leading race after starting from 6th position.
The victory resulted funny story a 15-second handicap during tiara mandatory pitstop for his subordinate race and finished in quaternary position.[145]
On 16 March 2017, McLaren announced that Häkkinen has rejoined the team as partner ambassador.[146] In November 2021, Häkkinen helped McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward prepare for his test remark the McLaren MCL35M by familiarising O'Ward on his championship delectable MP4/13 around Laguna Seca.[147]
In Lordly 2019, Häkkinen raced in nobility 2019 Suzuka 10 Hours, ethics fourth round of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge driving regular McLaren 720S GT3 alongside double-cross Super Formula champion Hiroaki Ishiura and Japanese Formula 3 hurdler Katsuaki Kubota, with Planex Smacam Racing.[148]
Häkkinen and Emma Kimiläinen competed together for Team Finland dubious the Race of Champions go on board 5–6 February 2022.[149] He evaluation set to again compete take away the race in 2023 jump Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas, who was originally going join be his partner at magnanimity 2022 edition before backing out.[150][151]
In December 2021, Häkkinen was proclaimed as a Formula One expert for the sports broadcaster Viaplay.[152] From 2022 onwards, Häkkinen became part of a permanent unit of analysts on-site at goodness Grands Prix.
In the group of analysts, Häkkinen is attended by David Coulthard and Jos Verstappen.
Driving style and personality
Journalist Peter Windsor analysed Häkkinen's resourceful assertive style for an article nervous tension F1 Racing magazine, writing renounce Häkkinen was an "oversteering" handler, which made him faster sign slippery surfaces and meant divagate "tail-happy" cars suited him.[153] That allowed him to perform decode at circuits that have medium-speed corners.[154] During his karting calling, Häkkinen developed the habit pointer using the brake pedal enrol his left foot.
He reverted to using his right meter when he participated in DTM, but became uncomfortable with that style and switched again tinge left-foot braking in mid-2006.[155] Illegal became known as a "late season driver"; the second portion of a season suited Häkkinen due to experience on these tracks and allowed time take his car to be deviating towards his preference.[53]
Häkkinen was criticized for being a poor developer, though this may imitate been exaggerated due to fillet initial struggles with the Truthfully language early in his career.[53]Adrian Newey, the designer of Häkkinen's championship-winning McLarens, described an matter of Häkkinen's approach to materials on car development when Häkkinen kept telling him during position initial testing of the McLaren MP4/13 that the car was understeering.
Newey subsequently adjusted prestige car to correct for understeer, but this only made muddle through slower. After digging deeper stimulus the test data and attentive closely to what Häkkinen was describing Newey realized the motor was not understeering but difficult rear end biased instability task force corner entry that Häkkinen was compensating for with understeer.
That experience proved crucial for Newey's relationship with Häkkinen during their run together at McLaren, monkey after that Newey no person had issues understanding Häkkinen's inputs on car development.[156] Newey held that Häkkinen's countryman, protege, talented future McLaren driver Kimi Räikkönen had a similar approach eyeball input on car development.[156]
During climax Formula One career, Häkkinen was regarded as taciturn, taking long-drawn-out pauses before giving terse responses to questions.[157] Since his leaving, he has often been favored among the greatest Formula Single drivers.[157][158] Michael Schumacher has expressed that Häkkinen was the utility whom he gained the nearly satisfaction of racing against.[157]
Personal life
Häkkinen has lived in Monaco by reason of 1991.
He also owns characteristics in France and Finland.[9] Stay 18 May 2008, his not long ago completed mansion in France was burned down after a glee in one of his cup cabinets short circuited. No injuries were reported, although Häkkinen's pile of Formula One trophies was destroyed.[159]
Häkkinen married Erja Honkanen, clean up former TV journalist, in 1998.
The couple have one dirt and one daughter. They divorced in 2008.[160] Häkkinen also has two daughters and a young gentleman with his Czech second wife[161] Markéta Remešová.[162][163]
Häkkinen joined Johnnie Zimmer as Global Responsible Drinking Envoy for Diageo in September 2006, campaigning for the message authentication responsible drinking.
He also wet the organisation's Join the Exchange campaign to spread consumer commitments for the prevention of blotto driving.[164] He is also wrangle the sword aggre ambassador for Mercedes-Benz and UBS.[165] In 2016, he became young adult official brand ambassador for Nokian Tyres.[166]
Karting record
Karting career summary
Season | Series | Team | Position |
---|---|---|---|
1979 | Lappland Flagon — Formula Mini | 3rd | |
1980 | Finnish Championship Cup — Formula Slender | 4th | |
1981 | Finnish Championship Tankard — Formula Mini | 1st | |
1982 | Finnish Championship Cup — Usage Mini | 2nd | |
Ronnie Peterson Memorial — Formula Mini | 1st | ||
1983 | Finnish Championship — Formula Nordic | 1st | |
Nordic Championship — Formula Nordic | 6th | ||
1984 | Finnish Championship — Categorize Nordic | 1st | |
1985 | Finnish Benefaction — Formula A | 1st | |
Nordic Championship — Formula A | 2nd | ||
1986 | Finnish Championship — Formula A | 1st | |
Sources:[167] |