Formula 1 EXCLUSIVE Mika Hakkinen Interview

Two-time F1 World Champion, Mika Hakkinen gives us an insight into the colourful world of Formula 1 racing.





The Finnish legend has been on a worldwide mission to help drivers think responsibly in his role as Johnnie Walker’s global responsible drinking ambassador.
No stranger to fast cars travelling at blinding speeds, Hakkinen knows what it takes to win an F1 world championship with two titles under his belt.

Here are some of the highlights from the interview.
First up, Felipe Massa’s injury.
MK: What Felipe Massa experienced was very unlucky yet lucky at the same time because he survived. It was unbelievable but he will definitely recover.
Will he come back a 100 percent? No way.”
When I had my accident back in 1995, psychologically, it was really hard to come back. I stayed in a hospital for a long time and I felt very fragile.
However, I decided that my form at that point in time was getting better and better each year (before the injury) and once my condition improved, I knew I was coming back. I was not going to quit.
What makes a driver want to return to such a dangerous sport after an accident like this?
MK: To me, it is just like running a marathon. If you decide to join a marathon, once you start running, your feet start to hurt and you are thirsty, then half way through, you choose to give up and stop. No such thing for me. When you start something, you have to go all the way to the end.
What does it feel like when you are involved in the championship race?
MK: Your body is suffering, your mind is suffering. I won’t say that it’s a horrible experience but you’re living such a pressure inside. You need to feel what you are doing.
There is no room for mistakes and every race is crucial, every point counts so you start wondering whether to take it easy and score some points or go all out for a win in each race.
But if you go for a win, you are taking a risk, so it is difficult and you are living in a pressurized environment all the way.”
Should team orders exist in F1?
MK: I’ve never done it before, my team never told me to crash a car deliberately.
Of course the passion to win can bring about cheating. But can you look in the mirror for the rest of your life and say I’m the winner, I’m the champion but know deep down inside that you cheated? I could not live like that.
On Brawn GP’s phenomenal season
Brawn have gone through an incredibly emotional time in the last couple of years, what they have done is brilliant, It is incredible how Ross Brawn has managed to be so cool all this while. Of course people can say they had a lot of time to design and improve their car but they deserve all the credit for their fantastic season.
They have two very good drivers but just before the Italian Grand Prix, I looked at their run of results and wondered what was happening in the team. It was worrying but at Monza, they showed that they are still the best.
Lotus is back in Formula 1!
MK: It is brilliant! I started out in Formula 1 with Lotus and we had a great time for a few years. Unfortunately, we got some good results but were never able to come through totally and show (the team’s) true potential. But I’m very happy that they are back and I wish them all the best but they will need good guys in the team.
What does a team need to succeed in F1?
MK: Its not all about money. You need good connections, designers, engine manufacturers and materials. The package has to be right and it is not easy because you have to compete against teams who have been there for many years. These teams know the system but if you have a good spirit in the team and the right type of attitude, you can succeed.
Catch the legend in action on Monday 21 September from 1100HKT to 1330HKT at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore as he gives a few lucky fans the ride of their lives in the two-seater Super Car as part of Johnnie Walker’s JOIN THE PACT campaign.

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