Justin: Thought I'd fill in some time until the first race of the season by starting an F1 Hero/ legend list, in no particular order. These are the drivers I have supported, watched, admired etc over the years.
First up - Double world champion Mika Hakkinen - The Flying Finn!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h9JPH7hbFc
If you are going to be remembered for one bit of driving, it may as well be the best overtake in history! This move on Schumi came at the height of their 3 year battle(s) for the title in 2000.
My co-blogger and I were talking about Spa the other day, so I thought it was a good place to start with the F1 Hero Series.
Back in the mid-nineties I supported anyone who rose up against Schumi frankly. Mika was faster than the most successful F1 driver in history for two years in 98 and 99 and nearly beat him to a third title in 2000, narrowly missing out in a classic showdown in Japan.
A lot of people say that Mika, along with Alonso, deserves the most credit for their double world championships as they were both well in the Schumi dominated era.
Let us not forget that Mika is the guy who out qualified Senna on his Mclaren debut, and Senna didnt like it or forget it.
Of course there was the near life ending crash in Australia in 1995, that brought him and Ron Dennis a lot closer, which in turn contributed to Coulthard feeling second best during his stint alongside Mika. Takes balls to come back from a fractured skull.
20 GP wins, 2 world titles and a reputation as a very fast driver, especially over a single lap - Mika is truly one of the greats. Later in his career he sort of developed his on screen persona a bit, from the mildly dull early Mika - I think he just started relaxing, starting to call Michael "The Michael" hehe.
Mika also gave us a classic, emotional F1 moment when he crashed out whilst leading in Monza and had a few moments crying on his knees in the trees. To come back and win the title after that takes guts.
Its safe to say that in 2001 he started losing motivation. His car stalled on the grid and for the first time he found himself afraid - after that he was never really consistently the same driver, showing only flashes of the utter speed and brilliance by winning 2 GP's that year.
He went on a break in 2002, never to return. He wanted to come back in 2007, but when he tested the desire may have been there but he was 3 seconds off the pace of others, so it was definately a no go.
I'm quite glad he didnt return really, as he left the sport on top and with grace and class.
So, Mika Hakkinen - I salute you as a true F1 hero!
Some classic Mika moments!
Water fight with Irvine - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtlNxwu43g8
Ah Mika, we love you mate! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK3Eaoda9v8&feature=related
Classic! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Ylp-wDpWE&feature=related
Erm...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSMQM4ASGRg
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