Hakkinen Mika(Finland, 28/09/1968)

Website: www.hakkinen.com

Mika Häkkinen was born on 28 September 1968 in Vantaa, Finland and is one of the most representative drivers of Formula 1 in the 1990s, a two-time World Champion and a central figure of the McLaren-Mercedes era.

After a long and successful karting career, Häkkinen moved into European junior formulae in the early 1990s. In 1990 he won the British Formula 3 Championship with West Surrey Racing, beating drivers including Michael Schumacher, a result that opened the door to Formula 1.

He made his Formula 1 debut in 1991 with Lotus. The early seasons were challenging due to uncompetitive machinery, but Häkkinen stood out for his raw speed and qualifying ability. In 1993 he joined McLaren as a third driver and test driver, a role that proved decisive for his technical development and the team’s confidence in him.

From 1994 he became a full-time McLaren driver, initially alongside Martin Brundle and later David Coulthard. Early successes came during a transitional phase for the team, but the technical breakthrough with Mercedes power and a competitive car eventually propelled Häkkinen to the front. His first career victory came at the 1997 European Grand Prix at Jerez.

The 1998-1999 period marked the peak of his career. With McLaren-Mercedes he secured two consecutive World Championships, establishing himself as Michael Schumacher’s main rival. In 1998 he dominated the season with eight victories, while in 1999 he withstood Ferrari’s comeback despite several technical issues. During this time he became known for his clean driving style, composure in races and direct relationship with engineers.

From 2000 onwards the battle with Schumacher and Ferrari became more difficult. Häkkinen still won several prestigious races, including the famous overtaking move on Schumacher at Spa-Francorchamps, regarded as one of the most iconic moments in modern Formula 1. At the end of 2001, after a complex season, he announced a sabbatical that effectively marked his retirement from Formula 1 competition.

Over the course of his Formula 1 career he contested 165 Grands Prix, achieving 20 victories, 26 pole positions and 51 podiums. He remains one of the few drivers to have interrupted Michael Schumacher’s dominance during Ferrari’s peak era.

After Formula 1 he competed in the DTM between 2005 and 2007 with Mercedes, securing race victories and remaining active in professional motorsport. In subsequent years he has served as an ambassador and consultant for partners linked to Mercedes and McLaren, alongside institutional and media appearances connected to Formula 1.

Häkkinen lives between Finland and the Principality of Monaco, is the father of two children and maintains a reserved profile, appearing occasionally as a commentator or guest at motorsport-related events.

GP Results

GP/Points Graph

Year	Team	Chassis	Points
2001	McLaren	MP4-16	37
2000	McLaren	MP4-15	89
1999	McLaren	MP4-14	76

* World Championships with at least 1 point won (since 2001)

Year	Team	Teammate	Win
2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd (MP4-16)	Coulthard D.	9 VS 8
Total			9 VS 8

Grand Prix	Team	Chassis	Pos.
European GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	6
Japanese GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	4
United States GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	1
Belgian GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	4
Hungarian GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	5
British GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	1
Canadian GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	3
Spanish GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	9
San Marino GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	4
Malaysian GP 2001	McLaren Mercedes Int. Ltd	MP4-16	6
Malaysian GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	4
Japanese GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
Italian GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
Belgian GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	1
Hungarian GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	1
German GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
Austrian GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	1
French GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
Canadian GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	4
Monaco GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	6
European GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
Spanish GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	1
British GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
San Marino GP 2000	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-15	2
Japanese GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	1
Malaysian GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	3
European GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	5
Belgian GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	2
Hungarian GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	1
Austrian GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	3
French GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	2
Canadian GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	1
Spanish GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	1
Monaco GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	3
Brazilian GP 1999	West McLaren Mercedes	MP4-14	1

* Grand prix finishes in the top 10 (since 2001)

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