Mika was straightforward in attitude, handsome with a nice finnish accent, fast on-track and won 2 WDCs. He had and achieved basically everything. Legend of F1, more so because of the way he carried himself. Didn't cry in front of the media, settled everything face to face. Zero attitude or ego and a funny guy.
I was always a fan of Mika, he was my man. Thing is, in these retrospectives, because Mika is a two time champion, they seem to talk things out as if that was his destiny. They always overlook how, like Jean Alesi, Mika was one of those perennial top-level "what DOES he have to do to win a race?!" drivers. Championships were never a consideration. Watching it all play out at the time, it felt to me more that it was only after winning Jerez 97 (fortuitously) that that monkey was finally off his back. Only from then on did he really "unleash".
Häkkinen should have been champion in 2000. Actually, if he had had better cars throuthout his career, he would have been a multiple champion, no doubt about it.
Mika is my all time favorite driver. I don’t know why but as I’ve loved learning about so many drivers throughout the history of F1 I find myself just landing on Mika as my favorite. Super fucking quick also!
"Cracking the skull, you know, it's not fun" - hilarious sometimes the way Mika talks.
Mika was straightforward in attitude, handsome with a nice finnish accent, fast on-track and won 2 WDCs. He had and achieved basically everything. Legend of F1, more so because of the way he carried himself. Didn't cry in front of the media, settled everything face to face. Zero attitude or ego and a funny guy.
Always liked Hakkinen no nonsense bloke but with class he was also a brilliant driver
For me the very best F1 driver ever - thank you Mika Hakkinen!
Absolute legend.
Watching Mika and Michael Coulthard & Irvine qualifying for position was a treat. Great competition
Brilliant driver and a real gentleman.
Insightful interview, grew up with Mika as my favourite driver - thanks for the upload!
That was an exciting time in F1.
I was always a fan of Mika, he was my man. Thing is, in these retrospectives, because Mika is a two time champion, they seem to talk things out as if that was his destiny. They always overlook how, like Jean Alesi, Mika was one of those perennial top-level "what DOES he have to do to win a race?!" drivers. Championships were never a consideration. Watching it all play out at the time, it felt to me more that it was only after winning Jerez 97 (fortuitously) that that monkey was finally off his back. Only from then on did he really "unleash".
The Mika Hakkinen
Häkkinen should have been champion in 2000. Actually, if he had had better cars throuthout his career, he would have been a multiple champion, no doubt about it.
This was great! I could feel Mika! This was very very special!
Mika was and still my favourite F1 driver
Mika is my all time favorite driver. I don’t know why but as I’ve loved learning about so many drivers throughout the history of F1 I find myself just landing on Mika as my favorite. Super fucking quick also!
Great role model to grow up with. Thank you Mika. Proud to be a Finn and a Fan.
Mika was always a gentleman.
First season I followed was 1998. Awesome battles and great drivers
Living Legend of F1
One of my favourite opponents as a Ferrari fan.