Mika Häkkinen Team Mclaren Nr. 3 Country Finland Date of birth 28 september 1968 Starts 158 Wins 18 Poles 26 Points 397.0 Debut United States 1991 Mika's first win came on the 26th of October 1997, in Jerez, after Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher collided on lap 47. This accident saw Michael retiring, and Jacques limping to the finish. Both McLaren's caught the ailing Williams, passing him with ease, and thus allowing Mika his first ever, Formula One win. He started in Karts at an early age, and then went on to win the Nordic title in 1987 in a Formula Ford Reynard. In 1988 he won the GM Euroseries for Dragon Racing, then entered British Formula Three, ending up 6th overall. In 1990, he joined West Surrey Racing, and went on to beat fellow Finn, Mika Salo, after they battled against each other all season. He should have won the prestigious final race in Macau, but he crashed on the last lap, handing Michael Schumacher his first ever, big result. In 1991, he leaped from British Formula Three, straight to Formula One, bypassing the intermediate series of Formula 3000. Driving for Lotus, his first F1 race was in Phoenix, where he qualified in 13th position, but retired from the race on lap 59 with engine failure. In 1992, he finished 8th overall, his best place for the year, a 4th in Hungary. He signed for McLaren in 1993, but was pushed back to the status of test driver, when Ayrton Senna decided to pick up his option with the team. Later in the same year, he stepped in for Michael Andretti, and actually out qualified Senna in Portugal, thus securing his drive for McLaren in 94, where he finished 4th overall. Tragedy struck in Adelaide, Australia, during qualifying for the 1995 Grand Prix. Mika was shunted from behind, causing a horrific accident. Although his injuries were serious, the Finn's determination saw him as one of the front runners in 96 and 97, whenever the McLaren was competitive. Then comes 1998, and what more can we say? The combination of the superiority of the McLaren Mercedes, and Mika's driving skill, saw him take the World Drivers Championship. This win was not without a fight, and much controversy, but in the end, he drove on to have the honor of driving the number one car in 1999. After a season that saw many incidents, including a heavy accident for his main rival in the title chase, Michael Schumacher, Mika eventually took the title again in the final race of the 99 season. Two titles both won in Suzuka. His season was not an easy one though, with driver errors and mechanical gremlins. With Schumacher sidelined, Hakkinen should have had the title in his lap, but due to some driving errors he found himself faced with new competition that was more than willing to take away his number one status. Hakkinen wore the number 1 on his McLaren in 2000 but a rampant Ferrari team prevented him from taking three championships in a row. After a slow start to the season Hakkinen displayed an incredible come-back - but it was not enough to defend his title. Season Team Starts Wins Poles Fastest laps Points Class. 2001 Mclaren 13 1 0 1 24.0 5 2000 McLaren 17 4 5 23 89.0 2 1999 McLaren 16 5 11 6 76.0 1 1998 McLaren 16 8 9 6 100.0 1 1997 McLaren 17 1 1 1 27.0 6 1996 McLaren 16 0 0 0 31.0 5 1995 McLaren 15 0 0 0 17.0 7 1994 McLaren 15 0 0 0 26.0 4 1993 McLaren 3 0 0 0 4.0 15 1992 Lotus 15 0 0 0 11.0 8 1991 Lotus 15 0 0 0 2.0 15 |
| MIKA'S BIOGRAPHY |