I bet he'll be back in a year or 2.


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BBC News

Friday, 14 September, 2001, 09:22 GMT 10:22 UK

Hakkinen quits F1

McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen has confirmed that he will take a break from Formula One at the end of the season.

Hakkinen's place at McLaren will be taken by Finnish compatriot Kimi Raikkonen who has shone for Sauber this season.

But while Hakkinen insists it is merely a career break, sources close to McLaren have told BBC Sport Online that the Finn is in fact retiring and does not intend to return to Formula One.

However the door will remain open to Hakkinen should he change his mind.

In a statement issued on Friday, Hakkinen said: "Formula One has virtually been my whole life since I started karting in 1974.

"The intensity of my career has become increasingly difficult for those around me.

"Whilst this year has been difficult for me and the team, these experiences have not guided the decision to take this break."

Hakkinen, who made his debut in 1991 and won the world title in 1998 and 1999, has had a miserable season.

The Finn has failed to complete six races and lies fifth in the drivers' points race, with his only victory coming at Silverstone.

"I asked the team for a break which would be a good way to recharge my batteries and enjoy more time with my wife Erja and my son Hugo," Hakkinen added.

"Of course it might have been easier to retire, but that just isn't a decision I feel ready to take.

"I know that I will have to work hard to return after my break, but I know that I want to return with West-McLaren Mercedes."

Team-mate David Coulthard spoke of his respect for the man he has raced alongside for the past six seasons.

"Mika and myself have been team-mates for six years - the longest ever in Formula One.

"We have worked well and competed hard and I understand his reasons for having a break.

"Thanks to Mika, I have gained valuable insight into fast Finns which I am sure will be useful next year."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis forged a close bond with Hakkinen after seeing him almost killed at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide.

He said: "Mika has always done an incredible job for us, and now is not the time to be bidding him farewell."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/mot...000/1528301.stm

 

yeah, i think he'll return. pretty shocking news tho.

 

Further update: it looks as though Jenson Button will move from Benetton to Sauber to replace Raikonnen, Fernando Alonso will likely move from Minardi to Benetton (Renault)....

 

He's gonna take a break to think about why he hasn't been doing well this season. Then when he gets some inspiration to come and try to kick Schumacher's a$$ again, then he will be back ... Or, he can just sit on the side fence to watch everything roll by which I doubt as well.

 

If Raikkonen should start winning, where will Hakkinen go should he want to return? McLaren? Methinks they'll keep the bird in the hand. Williams? Only if JPM continues his string of DNFs. Ferrari? LOL. Another team? Which other team will be competitive enough that it won't be an immense let-down? Tough question.

 

Mika has always been my favourite driver. I am sad to hear this but can understand his reasons. I hope he is now able to enjoy the fruits of his labour with his family and take up some of the other interests he must have put on the backburner over the years.

 

I hope (Aussie) Mark Webber gets a well deserved chance to drive for Benetton. He's their test driver after all.