Mika Häkkinen

Mika Häkkinen is a Finnish two-time world champion whose final Formula 1 seasons came with McLaren in 2000 and 2001. In 2000 he fought Michael Schumacher in a fierce title battle, and his pass at Spa, overtaking Schumacher while both lapped Ricardo Zonta, remains one of the sport’s classic moves. In 2001 McLaren’s competitiveness dipped and Häkkinen stepped away at the end of the season, effectively retiring from F1. Calm, precise and explosively fast, he was one of the great champions whose departure marked the end of a major 1990s rivalry.