He replaced the hapless Michael Andretti later on in the year and stunned the F1 world by outqualifying Senna in his first race back. He scored his first podium finish in Japan.

More top-three finishes followed over the next three years but a race win still eluded him.

It was not until ace designer Adrian Newey joined the team at the end of 1997 that the Finn really caught fire.

The wins started to flow freely and he clinched his first championship in 1998 after a tense battle with Michael Schumacher.

He was less impressive the following year but still defended his title successfully, thanks mainly to Schumacher breaking his leg in an
accident at Silverstone.

Despite the odd wobble - he broke down in tears after spinning out of the Italian Grand Prix - he saw off the challenge of Eddie Irvine with a flawless drive at Suzuka.

PROFILE 
Name   Mika Hakkinen
Nationality Finnish
Date of Birth  28 September 1968
Place of Birth  Helsinki, Finland
Resident  Monte Carlo, Monaco
   
F1 STATS
GP Debut  1991
GP Starts 149
GP Points 395
GP Wins 18
F1 Poles 29
Fastest Laps  20

Career HighLights

1990 British F3 champion

1998 and 1999 World Champion
   
TEAM   Team McLaren

GP Points 2333.5

GP Victories 130

Teammate  David Coulthard

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Last Major Update April 2001