[Driver] Mika Hakkinen - When The Fire Went Out

[ottostreet]

Hi guys, just starting a topic on Mika Hakkinen. I have written a new article about him. You can read the full thing with pictures and videos on the FormulaSpy link.

http://www.formulaspy.com/features/c...-fire-went-out

Mika Hakkinen retired from F1 in 2001, close to the peak of his powers. Why did he retire so young? Thomas Maher has a look at the F1 career of the McLaren legend.


Back in 2001, Formula One entered a somewhat unnatural phase. With most generations of drivers, there are drivers who are rivals of each other, the benchmark, the accepted prey, the established predator. Nowadays, we have the likes of Hamilton & Vettel, Alonso & Raikkonen, and the slow introduction of the ‘new’ guard, whoever they may reveal themselves to be, Grosjean perhaps, Perez maybe.

But back in 2001, two drivers stood high above the rest. Michael Schumacher of Ferrari, and Mika Hakkinen of McLaren were the accepted cockerels in the farmyard, even if 1997 Champion Jacques Villeneuve was still on the grid. Hakkinen & Schumacher had had a long and amicable rivalry, stemming back to their pre-F1 days. One of their most famous moments was at the Macau GP in 1990, an accepted event for young drivers to prove themselves. Reigning F3 champion Mika Hakkinen was favourite to win the event, and won the first leg. It was an aggregate event, and all Mika had to do was finish 2nd to claim the overall victory. However, Michael Schumacher led the second round, but could not lose the attentions of the Flying Finn. Entering the closing stages, Mika spotted an opportunity to pass the German and went for it. However, he misjudged the manouevre and smacked the Germans car, eliminating himself on the spot. Michael nursed his broken car home to take the win, and with it, jumped ahead of the Finn for the best part of the next decade.

Michael enjoyed a great start to his career and instantly made a name for himself at Jordan and Benetton. Mika also got his break, driving for Lotus, before opting to join McLaren alongside Senna. Learning from Ayrton, Mika got his chance to lead the McLaren team in 1994, a team which liked the Finn, and was prepared to build around him, Senna having made his ill-fated move to Williams. Michael won two championships in 1994 and 1995, while Mika showed flashes of his immense talent, stealing podiums and hustling his cumbersome McLarens as hard as he could. Hakkinen was also left badly injured at the end of 1995, when he crashed hard at Adelaide, sufferering mild brain injuries and requiring life saving operations be performed on him at trackside.

However, eventually, the two rivals found themselves lining up as main protagonists for the two oldest and greatest rivals in F1, Mika for McLaren, and Michael for Ferrari. 1998 saw the two go head to head, and while Mika had the better car, unreliability and mistakes made the championship a little closer than it ought to have been. Mika emerged victorious and the two World Champions continued their duel in 1999.

Both now aged around 30, with plenty of experience and driving for the two best teams, one would think they would dominate 1999, but it was not to be. Mika made bad driving errors at both Italian rounds, crashing and spinning while leading comfortably, getting involved in internal battles with his team mate David Coulthard in Austria and Belgium, and suffering failures such as his wheel falling off at Silverstone, and engine failure in Australia. Michael was injured in Silverstone, suffering a broken leg, and the rivalry was called off for 1999. Mika did not perform well while his adversary was out, and this gave Michael’s team-mate Eddie Irvine a sniff at the title. However, Mika performed beautifully at Suzuka and claimed the title.

For 2000, the McLaren and Ferrari cars were the class of the field, and Mika and Michael the class of those teams. Both drivers pushed each other spectacularly through the season, Mika making a miraculous recovery from almost 30 points down at the halfway point, to lead the championship after Belgium, a race that lives on in the memory as one of the finest battles and overtakes of all time. However, Mika was ultimately defeated in a stressful Japanese Grand Prix, and the rivalry was set to continue into 2001.
2001 saw Ferrari start their period of dominance which saw them claim every title until the 2005 season. Fast, reliable, and enjoying a number one status at his team, Michael made it look effortless. So why did this happen? Where did the great rivalry go? After his defeat at the 2000 Japanese Grand Prix, Mika and his wife Erja retreated to Monaco, where they welcomed their first child together into the world, Hugo Hakkinen.

Coming into the 2001 season, Mika found himself questioning whether F1 was worth the risk, having been one of the drivers who was first on the scene of Senna’s fatal crash, and having almost died himself at the wheel of a McLaren. In 2001, the McLaren was no match for the Ferrari, reportedly lacking in horsepower due to the banning of an exotic material called beryllium that Ilmor used in the construction of the Mercedes engines. Together with it not being the result of Adrian Newey’s finest hours at his drawing board, Mika was unable to challenge for the title.
At the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, while running 2nd behind Schumacher, Hakkinen suffered a mechanical failure in sector three of the lap, while on the back straight. He arrived at the next corner fully backwards, and ploughed off into the crash barrier. He was unable to explain why his suspension failed, and this played on his mind heavily, given what had happened to him in 1995. Hakkinen was outclassed by his team-mate throughout 2001, appearing to be suffering from a lack of pace and consistency. He almost won the Spanish round, pressuring Schumacher all race, and then crushing the German in the latter half of the race. Unfortunately, he had a clutch failure on the final lap, and his engine lunched itself, to the delight of the baying tifosi in the stands. Mika then defeated Michael in Silverstone, even if there was a question mark over how hard Michael really tried, after his nearest competitor David Coulthard retired. It is interesting that the only driver Mika seemed able to summon up every bit of his powers to defeat, was his old arch-enemy Michael. Indeed, it was Michael who Mika went on to defeat at his third last race, at Indianapolis.

Indianapolis 2001 was the day we saw the last of two greats. Murray Walker commentated on his final live grand prix, while Mika Hakkinen set about doing what he did best. In qualifying, Michael took pole, while Mika lined up 2nd. On race morning, in the warm-up session, Mika earned himself a grid penalty for ignoring a red light in the pitlane, and lost his best qualifying time. He would line up fourth. In the race, Mika drove perfectly, using his strategy and speed to win his penultimate race. It was his final win, and final podium. Twenty wins, the most for any Finnish driver, until Kimi Raikkonen equalled it at Australia 2013. Mika ran third at the Japanese Grand Prix, but is believed to have let his team mate through to take the final podium position in order to escape the majority of the press.

Mika Hakkinen retired from Formula One at the end of 2001, at the age of 33. He claims he made his decision at the 2001 Monaco GP, to take a sabbatical from F1 in 2002, this came after contract renewal talks would see his offer from McLaren almost halved compared to his pay as World Champion. He then announced his retirement from the sport halfway through the 2002 season, leading many to question if he had ever intended to return. It is worth noting that Mika pressed Ron Dennis hard on the issue of his replacement, pushing compatriot Kimi Raikkonen to be forefront. Ultimately, Mika got his wish, and Raikkonen would take over the mantle of the ‘Flying Finn’. If Hakkinen had intended to return with McLaren, why did he push so hard to get a young, fast and committed replacement who was likely to be a long term prospect, into his seat? Hakkinen admitted years later that he had lost a significant amount of his nerve in 2001, and tested his theory out in the winter of 2006, testing for McLaren after Raikkonen quit. He was significantly slower than the other drivers at the test, and hung up his helmet for good in 2007, announcing his retirement from all competitive motorsport, having competed in some seasons of DTM, with limited success.

So what impact did Hakkinen’s retirement have? It is dangerous to suggest that it is the reason for Schumacher’s seven world titles, but it is somewhat likely. Without Hakkinen, there was no-one to rise to the challenge of beating the Schumacher/Ferrari partnership. Even Michael admitted that Mika was the only driver he ever feared during this time. The ‘new guard’ of the era immediately after Hakkinen consisted of Alonso, Raikkonen & Montoya, as well as elder statesman such as Coulthard & Schumacher Junior. However, between a combination of lack of experience, and lack of machinery, noone could challenge Michael particularly closely, until Alonso in 2005 defeated him.
Michael & Mika were the last truly great tete a tete rivals. Both brought out the best of one another, both being sporting and gracious with each other on and off the track during their duelling years. They were the two drivers who were supposed to lead their generation, and it is unfortunate for the sport that Mika’s flame was extinguished prematurely. If it hadn’t happened, it’s possible that 2002-2004 could have been some of the best years of the last decade, instead of the processional years they were.

I missed him badly when he quit, F1 lost its way slightly after he left, Michael had noone there to really challenge him. It's a pity he lost his bottle.

[Razzzor]

Good article, but I'd like to know more about what happened in 2001 for him to quit early. Why did he lose his nerve? Was it the accidents and safety concerns, the family? I never realised he gave up his final podium just to avoid the press. I guess that says a lot about his motivation for results.

[Jules Mini]

I thought I read somewhere he was quoted as saying that after the birth of his child the walls and barriers seemed much closer ,funny how being a Dad can change your perspective of life

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by Jules Mini

I thought I read somewhere he was quoted as saying that after the birth of his child the walls and barriers seemed much closer ,funny how being a Dad can change your perspective of life

That's kind of what I recall as well, he'd also experienced the most extreme highs and lows in F1 from trolling around in uncompetitive cars for so long, to a life threatening injury and then hitting the heights with 2, and what probably should've been at least 3 titles. All of that really can take the edge off things.

He was the first truly top driver to pack it all in 'early' since Scheckter and it was a shame we didn't see him return and 'do a Kimi' a couple of years later?

[BSchneiderFan]

I always thought Häkkinen was a flawed driver. Very quick, of course, but there were times, especially if he was plugging around in the lower points positions, when he just seemed to give up, as if it wasn't worth it if he wasn't at the front. He never quite had to determination of Schumacher to fight for every last position as if it was a win. But it was a shame to see him go.

[Knowlesy]

Best Finnish F1 driver there ever was.

[kipper]

Originally Posted by chunterer

He was the first truly top driver to pack it all in 'early' since Scheckter and it was a shame we didn't see him return and 'do a Kimi' a couple of years later?

Although perhaps it is better to remain retired (DTM notwithstanding) rather than come back and put in some substandard performances.

[ottostreet]

Mika was probably less 'motivated' than Kimi Raikkonen, but didn't seem to suffer the same media backlash. Probably due to it being a different time, and the fact he could handle the media in a friendlier and more approachable manner.

Mika had an awful habit of disappearing in races where he couldn't win it. It was a fairly big flaw.

[gomick]

Mika's press conferences/interviews where the best - I had forgotten how great his career was when the Ferrari/Schumacher dominant years succeeded Mika's WDC's...

[jedrinck]

I like the one after the race in Spa when he passed Schumacher while they both lapped Zonta. He referred to Schumacher as "te Michael" and to Zonta as "te backmarker" for all of the press conference!

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by ottostreet

Mika was probably less 'motivated' than Kimi Raikkonen, but didn't seem to suffer the same media backlash. Probably due to it being a different time, and the fact he could handle the media in a friendlier and more approachable manner.

Mika had an awful habit of disappearing in races where he couldn't win it. It was a fairly big flaw.

Perhaps, perhaps not.

When he burst onto the scene in 1991 through 1992 and again when he got the call up at Estoril in '93 he was 'on fire.'

1994's constant unreliability and that pigdog of a car in 1995 would sap any ace's confidence but the way he kept his bottle after that head injury to come back and be right back on it in 1996 tells you all you need to know about motivation really.

[Knowlesy]

Mika did become anonymous more often after his titles, but he achieved all he needed to and he had survived a major accident so he was entitled to it. He didn't hang around a moment too long either, hogging a great seat like some tend to do.

What a man. What a hero.

[chunder]

For me Hakkinen is from the top drawer

He was up against the steamroller of Ferrari and Schumacher and came out on top twice, a thing quite a lot of people never managed to do other than Alonso!

Pace wise I doubt there have been few quicker!

[BSchneiderFan]

Originally Posted by chunterer

1994's constant unreliability and that pigdog of a car in 1995 would sap any ace's confidence but the way he kept his bottle after that head injury to come back and be right back on it in 1996 tells you all you need to know about motivation really.

Schumacher had the pigdog of the 1996 Ferrari and some awful unreliability in 1997. Häkkinen was fast, yes, and showed great bravery and determination to come back from the Adelaide smash; but remember that one of his two titles was only just snatched from Eddie Irvine after Schumacher had retired hurt. After Silverstone '99, Häkkinen should have strolled to the title but he made heavy weather if it (albeit I think Irvine was a much stronger driver than a lot of people gave him credit for).

[Knowlesy]

Yes but had Schumacher been around Hakkinen would probably have driven to a higher level.

[Speedblood]

But remember that in Silverstone the wheel fell off, Austria he was taken out on lap 1 by DC, Germany the 1st fuel rig failed while comfortably out front and then the tyre went bang...

3 "easy" wins taken out of the equation through no real fault of his own. Only Monza and Imola were mistakes on his own accord. No doubt the championship should of been locked up by Malaysia time.

I agree with others though, Mika was a very fine driver and I certainly missed him when he left. But can only echo that he should be commended for going at/or near the top of his game.

[stripedcat]

Until Alonso came along, he was the only driver that Schumi feared. That says a lot about the talent that Mika had.

I do agree that Mika wasn't so good at fighting a race from the lower positions. He didn't have Schumi's ability for that. Only the Spa overtake and the one in 1998 in Luxembourg spring to mind. If it was a wet weather race then Mika wasn't so hot.

I think that he said that the 2 titles took a lot out of him - and that was one of the reasons that he was never able to perform at such a high level again.

[chunder]

After watching an interview with him, he did indeed admit that winin those two series took a lot out of him!

I think he worked very hard, possibly harder than many to win those titles and deserves respect as a result

[Razzzor]

Originally Posted by stripedcat

Until Alonso came along, he was the only driver that Schumi feared. That says a lot about the talent that Mika had.

I do agree that Mika wasn't so good at fighting a race from the lower positions. He didn't have Schumi's ability for that. Only the Spa overtake and the one in 1998 in Luxembourg spring to mind. If it was a wet weather race then Mika wasn't so hot.

I think that he said that the 2 titles took a lot out of him - and that was one of the reasons that he was never able to perform at such a high level again.

It makes sense, it must be so much pressure and stress for those 2 years, it would take it out of me as well.

[Bononi]

Who remember his breakdown in Monza ? Can't remember the year...

[beau1]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Who remember his breakdown in Monza ? Can't remember the year...

1999 I think. I remember feeling extremely sorry for him, he was clearly very emotional when it came to racing even if he didn't show it at times outside of the car.

I was always a Schumacher fan but for the 99' season after Silverstone I was a Mika fan. Thinking back to it now; I am slightly surprised he carried on as long as he did. The effects of racing upon him were clear to see that day. I wonder if he would have called it a day earlier in his career had he lost the 1999 championship.

[Andrew2001]

Guys he had a nasty brake failure at the Aussie GP in 01. I saw it happen. That was a similar accident to 1995, but he walked from this one.
I think this has happened to most professionals at some stage in their career. Where they have, well, had a enough.
I loved watching Mika race. He is my favourite driver without a doubt. Right back from 1996, when I first started watching F1. He was the man as far as I was concerned.
I think he was very, very unlucky not to be a triple world champ. That is how it happened though so moving to 2001, more bad luck. A couple of certain wins taken from him early in the season all but sealed the chances he had.
One of my favourite races, of all time, is the 2001 US GP. What a race, not withstanding the events of September.... Mika's last ever win, and what a deserving one it was.

Such a character during interviews, such a lightningly quick driver and the one Schumacher respected the most.
Watching his one lap blasts to pole position, his ice cold composure, his consistancy and witnessing the family atmosphere he had at McLaren.
I loved those days, watched him with interest in the DTM and hope we see more of him in motorsport in the future.

[BSchneiderFan]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Yes but had Schumacher been around Hakkinen would probably have driven to a higher level.

Rather supports the inconsistency argument.