What happened to Michael Schumacher's greatest rival Mika Hakkinen?

Mika Hakkinen is a name etched in Formula 1 history, but the "The Flying Finn," was a flame that burned bright before abruptly disappearing.  A two-time world champion in 1998 and 1999 with McLaren, Hakkinen’s career is celebrated for his exceptional driving skill, resilience, and fierce rivalry with Michael Schumacher.

So where is Hakkinen today? Let's take a quick look back at his incredible career and life after the track.

Born on September 28, 1968, in Vantaa, Finland, Hakkinen showed an affinity for speed from a young age. As documented by the Formula 1 official site, he began karting at the age of five and quickly climbed the ranks in motorsport, winning multiple championships in Finland and Europe. His natural talent caught the attention of Formula 1 teams, and he made his F1 debut with Lotus in 1991.

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Hakkinen joined McLaren as a test driver in 1993 and soon replaced Michael Andretti as a full-time driver. His breakthrough moment came in 1997 when he won his first Grand Prix in Jerez, setting the stage for back-to-back world championships in 1998 and 1999.

One of the most harrowing moments in Hakkinen’s career occurred during practice for the 1995 Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. Driving for McLaren, Hakkinen suffered a catastrophic tire failure at high speed, causing him to crash heavily into the barriers. The impact was severe, and he suffered life-threatening injuries, including a skull fracture and internal bleeding.

Quick action from the medical team saved Hakkinen’s life. He received an emergency tracheotomy at the scene, allowing him to breathe as he was rushed to the hospital, where he was given vital medical treatment.

"I was in a coma for a few days. Then the horrible things started when you wake up. You start realising like ‘oh my God’," he told Planet F1 of the experience in 2020. "I banged [my head] so hard that I lost control of one side of my face, because the nerves got damaged. So when I was sleeping they had to tape over one of my eyes, to make it close."

Remarkably, Hakkinen returned to racing in 1996, quickly regaining his competitive edge and go on to enjoy the peak of his career, which also included a fierce rivalry with Michael Schumacher.

The rivalry intensified in 1998 when Hakkinen, driving for McLaren, became a genuine title contender. McLaren's MP4/13 car, equipped with Adrian Newey’s aerodynamic genius and a dominant Mercedes engine, gave Hakkinen a competitive edge. Schumacher, driving for Ferrari, was equally determined to bring Ferrari its first drivers' title since 1979.

The season saw Hakkinen and Schumacher engage in titanic battles. At the season opener in Melbourne, Hakkinen claimed a controversial victory after a pit-lane mix-up, setting the tone for the year. The two clashed again at pivotal races such as the Luxembourg Grand Prix, where Hakkinen's victory sealed his maiden championship, as the Guardian recounted.

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In 1999, Hakkinen faced an even tougher challenge, battling Schumacher and his Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine. A major twist came mid-season when Schumacher suffered a leg-breaking crash at Silverstone, as ESPN reported at the time, forcing him out for six races.

Hakkinen capitalized on Schumacher’s absence, but the championship still went down to the wire in Japan, where Hakkinen delivered a masterclass to secure his second world title.

The 2000 season marked a shift in their rivalry, as Ferrari finally provided Schumacher with a car capable of consistently challenging McLaren. At Spa-Francorchamps, Hakkinen executed one of the greatest overtaking manoeuvres in Formula 1. On the long Kemmel Straight, he passed Schumacher and lapped driver Ricardo Zonta in one breathtaking move.

Ultimately, Schumacher edged out Hakkinen to claim the 2000 championship, beginning his era of dominance with Ferrari. Still, Hakkinen's performances that season cemented his place as Schumacher's fiercest rival.

After a challenging 2001 season marked by a significant drop in form that saw him unable to win a single race, Hakkinen announced he would take a sabbatical from Formula 1. While initially framed as a temporary break, he ultimately decided to retire, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and step away from the intense pressures of the sport.

"When I wake up in the morning, I was to feel that ‘today I want to do certain things’. I want the feeling of being hungry to do just what I want when I wake up. Right now I do not feel hungry enough to race. That’s why I have not been happy when I wake up." he told Autosport, reflecting on his decision to retire at the time.

Even in retirement, Hakkinen remained active in motorsport and other ventures. He pursued a career in DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) starting in 2005, driving for Mercedes-Benz. Although his DTM stint wasn’t as decorated as his F1 career, he earned three victories before retiring from competitive racing in 2007.

Now in his mid-50s, Hakkinen divides his time between his homes in Monaco and Finland. While he enjoys a quieter life compared to his racing days, he remains connected to the sport that made him a global icon. He still regularly attends F1 events and works as a commentator for Nordic streaming service Viaplay, offering his expert insights on the modern era of racing.

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Hakkinen’s impact on Formula 1 transcends statistics. Known for his sportsmanship and humility, he represented the golden era of the sport, where rivalries were intense but rooted in mutual respect. His rivalry with Schumacher is often cited as one of the greatest in F1 history, and his skill under pressure, particularly in wet conditions, remains a benchmark for drivers today.