| mykrrrr | 09-14-2001 09:38 AM |
Hakkinen out in 2002
Mika is "retiring" for the 2002 season to "recharge" and spend time with his wife and son.
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/motorsport/formula_one/newsid_1528000/1528301.stm[/url]
-myk
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/motorsport/formula_one/newsid_1528000/1528301.stm[/url]
-myk
| johnfelstead | 09-14-2001 09:54 AM |
told u lot ages ago this was gonna happen. ;)
The West McLaren Mercedes team is
delighted to announce that its driver line-up for 2002 will be David Coulthard,
Kimi Raikkonen and Alexander Wurz.
After 11 years in Formula One and two Formula One World Championships Mika
Hakkinen will take a break following the end of the current season to allow him
to dedicate more time to family life.
David Coulthard will commence his seventh season with the intention of improving upon his current second place position in the Formula One World Championship.
The team is particularly pleased to announce that it has been able to secure the services of the highly talented 21-year-old Finn, Kimi Raikkonen. Kimi will be at the wheel of a West McLaren Mercedes for the first time at the start of testing in early January 2002.
David and Kimi will be supported by Alexander Wurz, who will continue as the West McLaren Mercedes team's third driver.
MIKA HAKKINEN:
'Formula One has been virtually 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. 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. I'm pleased to welcome a fellow Finn to the team and I wish Kimi all the best. However let's not forget that there are three races left for me this year, and I have every intention of going flat out. 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.'
DAVID COULTHARD:
'My contract with the team was agreed a few months ago and I'm looking forward to next year's Championship challenge. Mika and myself have been teammates for six years - the longest ever in Formula One and 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'm sure will be useful next year.'
KIMI RAIKKONEN:
'I'm pleased to have achieved several point scoring finishes with the Sauber team after they gave me the chance to show what I could do in Formula One. I really want to thank Peter for helping me to take the opportunity to drive for West McLaren Mercedes next year. However until then, I will do everything I can to help the Sauber team retaining their fourth place in the Formula One
Constructors' World Championship.'
ALEXANDER WURZ:
'Obviously I'm disappointed not to have achieved one of the two principal seats in the team. I understand, however, that I came very close to achieving my goal of racing for West McLaren Mercedes and I'm pleased that the team has recognised my contribution through this year and re-affirmed their commitment to me for the coming season. It has been made clear that the team will support my career and whilst I will continue to gain valuable experience in such a good organisation, they will ensure that I will be ready if a competitive opportunity arises.'
RON DENNIS:
'Mika has been a part of the team for nine years and after 159 races, 26 pole positions and 19 race wins, he decided that he wanted a break. Mika has always done an incredible job for us and now is not the time to be bidding him farewell. Whilst we have had a range of interesting options for 2002 we are very pleased to announce our driver line-up with David, Kimi and Alex. Kimi's outstanding performances in what is only his first year in Formula One have obviously resulted in a lot of attention although from the initial discussions we made it clear that we would only be interested if a solution could be reached with Red Bull Sauber Petronas. We were extremely pleased therefore that partly as a result of Peter Sauber's good relationship with Professor Hubbert of Mercedes-Benz, we have been able to reach a professional conclusion. We are also pleased to continue our relationship with David, who has shown that he can win races and is obviously a strong Championship contender. Alex's loyalty is appreciated by everybody in the team and can ultimately only help in furthering his career.'
NORBERT HAUG:
'Today is a day with mixed emotions. Mercedes-Benz has a great relationship with Mika and he is a valued member of the family and not only because he has won two World Championships with West McLaren Mercedes. We have a lot of memories together and we want to thank Mika for all he has done for Mercedes-Benz and West McLaren Mercedes. We would like to welcome Kimi to the team who in his first Formula One season impressed all of us very much and we are looking
forward to working with him. David, having done a great job for the team for years, will be even stronger next year and I'm sure that Alex will continue to contribute to the team's performance in the efficient way he did this year.'
delighted to announce that its driver line-up for 2002 will be David Coulthard,
Kimi Raikkonen and Alexander Wurz.
After 11 years in Formula One and two Formula One World Championships Mika
Hakkinen will take a break following the end of the current season to allow him
to dedicate more time to family life.
David Coulthard will commence his seventh season with the intention of improving upon his current second place position in the Formula One World Championship.
The team is particularly pleased to announce that it has been able to secure the services of the highly talented 21-year-old Finn, Kimi Raikkonen. Kimi will be at the wheel of a West McLaren Mercedes for the first time at the start of testing in early January 2002.
David and Kimi will be supported by Alexander Wurz, who will continue as the West McLaren Mercedes team's third driver.
MIKA HAKKINEN:
'Formula One has been virtually 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. 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. I'm pleased to welcome a fellow Finn to the team and I wish Kimi all the best. However let's not forget that there are three races left for me this year, and I have every intention of going flat out. 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.'
DAVID COULTHARD:
'My contract with the team was agreed a few months ago and I'm looking forward to next year's Championship challenge. Mika and myself have been teammates for six years - the longest ever in Formula One and 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'm sure will be useful next year.'
KIMI RAIKKONEN:
'I'm pleased to have achieved several point scoring finishes with the Sauber team after they gave me the chance to show what I could do in Formula One. I really want to thank Peter for helping me to take the opportunity to drive for West McLaren Mercedes next year. However until then, I will do everything I can to help the Sauber team retaining their fourth place in the Formula One
Constructors' World Championship.'
ALEXANDER WURZ:
'Obviously I'm disappointed not to have achieved one of the two principal seats in the team. I understand, however, that I came very close to achieving my goal of racing for West McLaren Mercedes and I'm pleased that the team has recognised my contribution through this year and re-affirmed their commitment to me for the coming season. It has been made clear that the team will support my career and whilst I will continue to gain valuable experience in such a good organisation, they will ensure that I will be ready if a competitive opportunity arises.'
RON DENNIS:
'Mika has been a part of the team for nine years and after 159 races, 26 pole positions and 19 race wins, he decided that he wanted a break. Mika has always done an incredible job for us and now is not the time to be bidding him farewell. Whilst we have had a range of interesting options for 2002 we are very pleased to announce our driver line-up with David, Kimi and Alex. Kimi's outstanding performances in what is only his first year in Formula One have obviously resulted in a lot of attention although from the initial discussions we made it clear that we would only be interested if a solution could be reached with Red Bull Sauber Petronas. We were extremely pleased therefore that partly as a result of Peter Sauber's good relationship with Professor Hubbert of Mercedes-Benz, we have been able to reach a professional conclusion. We are also pleased to continue our relationship with David, who has shown that he can win races and is obviously a strong Championship contender. Alex's loyalty is appreciated by everybody in the team and can ultimately only help in furthering his career.'
NORBERT HAUG:
'Today is a day with mixed emotions. Mercedes-Benz has a great relationship with Mika and he is a valued member of the family and not only because he has won two World Championships with West McLaren Mercedes. We have a lot of memories together and we want to thank Mika for all he has done for Mercedes-Benz and West McLaren Mercedes. We would like to welcome Kimi to the team who in his first Formula One season impressed all of us very much and we are looking
forward to working with him. David, having done a great job for the team for years, will be even stronger next year and I'm sure that Alex will continue to contribute to the team's performance in the efficient way he did this year.'
| auricom | 09-14-2001 01:26 PM |
i think its cool that mika's retiring for next year, but i wish KIMI RAIKKONEN would stay with Sauber, i've been a Sauber fan for awhile and i think they had a good combo this year. I wonder who will take KIMI place now?
| donjuan | 09-14-2001 04:15 PM |
I hope Mika wins at Suzuka. He says it's just a "break" from Formula One, but I don't imagine he'll be back :(
| Jonathan | 09-16-2001 09:42 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by auricom [/i]
[B]i think its cool that mika's retiring for next year, but i wish KIMI RAIKKONEN would stay with Sauber, i've been a Sauber fan for awhile and i think they had a good combo this year. I wonder who will take KIMI place now? [/B][/QUOTE]
I think Heinz Harold-Frentzen deserves a good ride. Prost-Acer was the best he could do with no time to shop around. Given his strong ties with Peter Sauber, I would think that he just might do well there.
For those of you who don't recal H-H-F was driving for the Mercedes powered Sauber back when Sir Frank wanted him to join Williams back in 1994. Heinz largely out of loyalty to Peter, turned Frank down.
[B]i think its cool that mika's retiring for next year, but i wish KIMI RAIKKONEN would stay with Sauber, i've been a Sauber fan for awhile and i think they had a good combo this year. I wonder who will take KIMI place now? [/B][/QUOTE]
I think Heinz Harold-Frentzen deserves a good ride. Prost-Acer was the best he could do with no time to shop around. Given his strong ties with Peter Sauber, I would think that he just might do well there.
For those of you who don't recal H-H-F was driving for the Mercedes powered Sauber back when Sir Frank wanted him to join Williams back in 1994. Heinz largely out of loyalty to Peter, turned Frank down.
| cj917 | 09-16-2001 10:23 PM |
i wonder what Peter Sauber got for giving up Raikkonen...... either crapload of money, or Mercedez engine down the road?
| auricom | 09-17-2001 08:49 AM |
i doubt he would take a Mercedes engine, but who knows. that would rule if HHF went to Sauber.
| Arioch | 09-17-2001 09:35 AM |
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
As shocking as this is, I (we) kinda saw it coming. As far fetched as rumors are in F1, sometimes they just sound like they are more than that. The "Mika is going to retire" rumor just held a ring of truth. I hope he comes back after his year off. Here's what I think is going to happen though....
This year... Mika win in either Daytona or Japan, just as a last hurah. DC finish ahead of Ralf and Rubens, keeping second in the drivers championship and sealing McLaren's constructors championship. Kimi finishing the season strong with the team that brought him into F1, sealing their "best of the rest" position as I think David Hobbs put it.
Next year... Mika, go do what you need to do as a person, not as a race car driver. Don't even think about racing. Get away completly. I don't think he'll come back though, as nice as it would be. DC will be named #1 driver and he'll do well. Kimi will also drive very fast for the car. Team orders might come into play somewhere in the season, depending on how well DC is running.
2003... Mika will either stay away from racing all together, or he'll come back to F1 as a co-owner / team boss / something not a driver. I can't see him retiring for a year, coming back and being a dominant force that he used to be.... which sucks.
Hopefully, Kimi will be the machine that Mika was on the track, but keep his personality, which I think that Mika is still trying to find...
Maybe he'll find it on his year off.... :lol:
-Dave
[url]http://granturismoforums.com[/url]
As shocking as this is, I (we) kinda saw it coming. As far fetched as rumors are in F1, sometimes they just sound like they are more than that. The "Mika is going to retire" rumor just held a ring of truth. I hope he comes back after his year off. Here's what I think is going to happen though....
This year... Mika win in either Daytona or Japan, just as a last hurah. DC finish ahead of Ralf and Rubens, keeping second in the drivers championship and sealing McLaren's constructors championship. Kimi finishing the season strong with the team that brought him into F1, sealing their "best of the rest" position as I think David Hobbs put it.
Next year... Mika, go do what you need to do as a person, not as a race car driver. Don't even think about racing. Get away completly. I don't think he'll come back though, as nice as it would be. DC will be named #1 driver and he'll do well. Kimi will also drive very fast for the car. Team orders might come into play somewhere in the season, depending on how well DC is running.
2003... Mika will either stay away from racing all together, or he'll come back to F1 as a co-owner / team boss / something not a driver. I can't see him retiring for a year, coming back and being a dominant force that he used to be.... which sucks.
Hopefully, Kimi will be the machine that Mika was on the track, but keep his personality, which I think that Mika is still trying to find...
Maybe he'll find it on his year off.... :lol:
-Dave
[url]http://granturismoforums.com[/url]
| J Colman | 09-17-2001 09:56 AM |
Mika should go to NASCAR to shake them good ole boys up
| donjuan | 09-17-2001 10:03 AM |
Bahahahahaha!!!
Waltrip: "Now comin' up on'a outside a'Gordon is...uh, Mike Hak, Haka, Hok-uh-nun. I dunno where this guy come frum, but he's got himself a good run on thuh leaders here in the final laps o'the Tide/Viagra/Burger King/Craftmatic 400. Anybody know anythin about this Mike Hak...I hear he was some kin'a European drag racer or sumthin??"
Waltrip: "Now comin' up on'a outside a'Gordon is...uh, Mike Hak, Haka, Hok-uh-nun. I dunno where this guy come frum, but he's got himself a good run on thuh leaders here in the final laps o'the Tide/Viagra/Burger King/Craftmatic 400. Anybody know anythin about this Mike Hak...I hear he was some kin'a European drag racer or sumthin??"
| J Colman | 09-17-2001 11:15 AM |
Hahahahahaha :lol:
Maybe he should set his sites a little lower, like Sprint car racing
Maybe he should set his sites a little lower, like Sprint car racing
| Fred Zaplitny | 09-17-2001 11:41 AM |
I think he meant to say Indy, not Daytona. I would like to see Mika in NASCAR though, that would be great! Maybe he'll end up in CART like other F-1 has-been's.
| donjuan | 09-17-2001 11:43 AM |
I don't wanna see Hakkinen on an oval. Though CART would be better than NASCRAP.
After this weekend, I don't wanna see anyone on an oval.
After this weekend, I don't wanna see anyone on an oval.
| J Colman | 09-17-2001 12:10 PM |
Maybe he could get in involved in funny cars, and take the challenge to John Force.
| donjuan | 09-17-2001 12:16 PM |
I got it......[B]MONSTER TRUCKS![/B]
:lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol:
| Arioch | 09-17-2001 12:56 PM |
:eek: DOH!!!! :eek:
Ok, I'm a jackass..... I really meant Indy.... seriously...... guys...? guys...? Aw crap!
Although the thought of "Meeker" in a NASCAR or monster truck is interesting, in a sheer horror intrigue kind of way.... :D
Ok, I'm a jackass..... I really meant Indy.... seriously...... guys...? guys...? Aw crap!
Although the thought of "Meeker" in a NASCAR or monster truck is interesting, in a sheer horror intrigue kind of way.... :D
| cj917 | 09-17-2001 01:00 PM |
well, Peter Sauber ran Mercedez's sportscar program quite successfully before he entered the F1 scene... now the reason he had the money to pay for the Ferrari engine for the past few years was because of Petronas... but no one knows if Petronas would wanna sponsor Minardi instead from now on because of Alex Yoong onboard
anyway i dont think Sauber will change engine next year, but you never know
and with his old ties with HHF, Frentzen would probably join Sauber next year (unless Toyota decide not to stick with their words and drop either Salo or McNish to grab Frentzen first)
anyway i dont think Sauber will change engine next year, but you never know
and with his old ties with HHF, Frentzen would probably join Sauber next year (unless Toyota decide not to stick with their words and drop either Salo or McNish to grab Frentzen first)
| donjuan | 09-17-2001 01:16 PM |
torch passing?
[IMG]http://a324.g.akamai.net/f/324/3126/1d/www.f1-live.com/f1-2001/photos/2001/monza/diapo_125.jpg[/IMG]
| Arioch | 09-17-2001 01:17 PM |
Nice pic. sure looks like a passing of the torch to me...
| donjuan | 09-17-2001 01:18 PM |
I hate to see Mika go:( He should have had 3.
Maybe he will come back and make and amazing run and win another one. T'would be very very hard to do though methinks.
Maybe he will come back and make and amazing run and win another one. T'would be very very hard to do though methinks.
| J Colman | 09-17-2001 03:56 PM |
Not only do F1 drivers have great jobs, lots of money, they get tons of cool clothes for free. Look at Kimi's jacket, that thing is phat, I bet he didn't pay a single swiss monetary unit for that baby.
| donjuan | 09-17-2001 04:16 PM |
Swiss FRANCS
That is a nice jacket. Racing-bag sells stuff like that for about 120 USD I think.
I think I could deal with that kind of lifestyle :D
I think I could deal with that kind of lifestyle :D
| J Colman | 09-17-2001 05:05 PM |
Too bad our team doesnt have any cool clothes
| johnfelstead | 09-17-2001 07:17 PM |
McLaren paid Sauber $25,000,000 to buy Kimi's contract.
Kimi was offered a seat in a Ferrari in 2003 if he stayed with Sauber in 2002 but refused! He didnt want to be a #2 to anyone.
Ron Dennis was pissing himself on British TV in an interview because he for once got one over on Ferarri for having a #1/2 policy which he hates. He siad it gave him enormous pleasure! :lol:
We wont see Mika ever again in F1. He has lost his bottle. He did the moment his son was born. I said it on here at the time if you care to take a look. I could see it in his demeaner. He cares more about his son than he does about racing, it's that simple.
I feel he should quit today, he isnt focussed enough to be safe, he is tempting fate. :(
Kimi was offered a seat in a Ferrari in 2003 if he stayed with Sauber in 2002 but refused! He didnt want to be a #2 to anyone.
Ron Dennis was pissing himself on British TV in an interview because he for once got one over on Ferarri for having a #1/2 policy which he hates. He siad it gave him enormous pleasure! :lol:
We wont see Mika ever again in F1. He has lost his bottle. He did the moment his son was born. I said it on here at the time if you care to take a look. I could see it in his demeaner. He cares more about his son than he does about racing, it's that simple.
I feel he should quit today, he isnt focussed enough to be safe, he is tempting fate. :(
| ChrisW | 09-17-2001 07:25 PM |
[QUOTE]We wont see Mika ever again in F1. He has lost his bottle. He did the moment his son was born. I said it on here at the time if you care to take a look. I could see it in his demeaner. He cares more about his son than he does about racing, it's that simple. [/QUOTE]
yeah, I agree. Besides, hasn't Mika been racing professionally since he was 17 or something? That's a long time. We may not see him in F1 ever again, but I am sure we will see him in LeMans or some other prestigous racing event. You can't just give up racing <snap of the fingers> like that.
yeah, I agree. Besides, hasn't Mika been racing professionally since he was 17 or something? That's a long time. We may not see him in F1 ever again, but I am sure we will see him in LeMans or some other prestigous racing event. You can't just give up racing <snap of the fingers> like that.
| johnfelstead | 09-17-2001 07:30 PM |
I think thats it chris, he is outa there.
Mansell has given up, Hill has too.
you'll see them having a play at places like goodwood but you wont ever see them race profesionally again. They have plenty more things to do.
Mika doesnt want to race, his mindset has changed 100%.
Mansell has given up, Hill has too.
you'll see them having a play at places like goodwood but you wont ever see them race profesionally again. They have plenty more things to do.
Mika doesnt want to race, his mindset has changed 100%.
| ChrisW | 09-17-2001 07:46 PM |
Damin Hill
(hope I spelled his name right)
I was watching the taped coverage of goodward recently. Damm, Hill certainly has a full head of hair these days:)
Good to see him on a bike again too.
I was watching the taped coverage of goodward recently. Damm, Hill certainly has a full head of hair these days:)
Good to see him on a bike again too.
| SpinAll4 | 09-17-2001 08:09 PM |
Mika in an AUDI
it would kinda be neat to see Meeker get into an Audi R8 Lemans car and put that trophy on his mantle. That or....
[SIZE=3]MONSTER TRUCKS[/SIZE]
:rolleyes:
[SIZE=3]MONSTER TRUCKS[/SIZE]
:rolleyes:
| cj917 | 09-17-2001 08:50 PM |
[quote]McLaren paid Sauber $25,000,000 to buy Kimi's contract[/quote]
wow! that's one year's supply of the Ferrari engine Sauber is using
i wonder what DC is thinking/feeling deep down inside......
wow! that's one year's supply of the Ferrari engine Sauber is using
i wonder what DC is thinking/feeling deep down inside......
| RPM+BPM | 09-18-2001 12:19 AM |
that just screws up ferrari's hope of getting kimmi.... and what's his face's chance of a ride on McLaren.... anyhow... I'll just back Jean Alesi....
| J Colman | 09-18-2001 08:30 AM |
[QUOTE]Ron Dennis was pissing himself on British TV in an interview because he for once got one over on Ferarri for having a #1/2 policy which he hates. He siad it gave him enormous pleasure! [/QUOTE]
It's just a shame that it'll be another Schumi year next year ;)
It's just a shame that it'll be another Schumi year next year ;)
| donjuan | 09-18-2001 08:31 AM |
I kinda feel bad for Wurz, you could tell he was expecting Mika to retire and had his heart set on that drive...
| J Colman | 09-18-2001 08:32 AM |
Wurz, Schmurtz, he'll never get a good drive now
| donjuan | 09-18-2001 08:39 AM |
You know the TD's get a little pissy...
bar scene:
perdy lady: Hi, aren't you an F1 driver?
gene/wurz/badoer/etc: Why yes I am, I'm the test driver for Williams/McLaren/Ferrari/......
fine piece-a-ass: TEST driver?? Oh. Hey do you know Kimi Raikonnen??
TD's: (BLEEEP) (BLEEEP)ing 20-year old (BLEEEEP)er!!!!
bar scene:
perdy lady: Hi, aren't you an F1 driver?
gene/wurz/badoer/etc: Why yes I am, I'm the test driver for Williams/McLaren/Ferrari/......
fine piece-a-ass: TEST driver?? Oh. Hey do you know Kimi Raikonnen??
TD's: (BLEEEP) (BLEEEP)ing 20-year old (BLEEEEP)er!!!!
| Arioch | 09-18-2001 09:25 AM |
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Yeah, Wurtz did look a little pissed, but I guess he's getting a nice pay increase (according to the commentators on speedvison...) He's gotta resent Raikkonen though...
Yeah, Wurtz did look a little pissed, but I guess he's getting a nice pay increase (according to the commentators on speedvison...) He's gotta resent Raikkonen though...
| donjuan | 09-18-2001 09:27 AM |
If he's pissed off, I'll gladly step in, for half his pay even...:D
| J Colman | 09-18-2001 10:00 AM |
Raikonnen has proven himself more in one year, than Wurz did in his whole career
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