1999 Japanese Grand Prix, Mika Hakkinen onboard laps

The start of the 99 Japanese GP from Mika's onboard camera on the way to his second World Championship.
Final Race Results:
1 Mika Häkkinen McLaren-Mercedes 53 1:31:18.785 2 10
2 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 53 +5.015 1 6
3 Eddie Irvine Ferrari 53 +1:35.688 5 4
4 Heinz-Harald Frentzen Jordan-Mugen-Honda 53 +1:38.635 4 3
5 Ralf Schumacher Williams-Supertec 53 +1:39.494 9 2
6 Jean Alesi Sauber-Petronas 52 +1 Lap 10 1
7 Johnny Herbert Stewart-Ford 52 +1 Lap 8
8 Rubens Barrichello Stewart-Ford 52 +1 Lap 13
9 Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Supertec 52 +1 Lap 11
10 Alexander Wurz Benetton-Playlife 52 +1 Lap 15
11 Pedro Diniz Sauber-Petronas 52 +1 Lap 17
12 Ricardo Zonta BAR-Supertec 52 +1 Lap 18
13 Pedro de la Rosa Arrows 51 +2 Laps 21
14 Giancarlo Fisichella Benetton-Playlife 47 Engine 14

[@cianlynch6494]

Am i the only one who thinks the west livery was the best mclaren livery

[@bullmilk]

It's funny that tobacco companies were banned yet Johnnie Walker and other liquor companies can be advertised all over cars and billboards. I miss the West and Marlboro liveries.

[@HateCrewReaper]

+Cian Lynch the marlboro livery looked better for mclaren imo.

[@BollocksUtwat]

You can drink a little and it isn't unhealthy, even possibly somewhat healthy. Drinking is also a natural social lubricant. Smoking a little, smoking a lot, smoking at all, its all terrible for your health and costs society a lot.

[@bZLxcz]

Cian Lynch Marlboro was certainly the best one

[@cianlynch6494]

bZ Lxcz I care alot about your opinion

[@chelsky123]

That start was unbelievable

[@georgekobaidze]

Mika is so underrated in almost every all time ratings I've seen. The guy had a MASSIVE accident, came back, regained his form, took 2 back-to-back championships and left as soon as he felt that that was it for him.

[@SSJBen]

Coulda been triple world champion if it wasn't for the tissue-paper made MP4-15.

[@petercsato6742]

Don't forget, he was the teammate of Ayrton Senna as well, and beaten him on his debut qualify with McLaren. That's something!

[@lodersracing]

Amazing driver!

[@herbertfischnaller4516]

@@petercsato6742 he was quicker than Senna

[@laurihaar1638]

@@SSJBen Few people knew he could've been much more than that even. He was signed to Williams for 92 or 93, but Williams was a couple days late with announcing their drivers so Lotus was able to object. Imagine Mika in the mid 90s Williams instead of Hill or Villeneuve. No offense to those drivers but Mika was on a completely different level.

[@MattMK45]

Dream start!

[@victoralandi357]

Matt Monde Académie

[@JCDenton2000]

Wow what a start. Hakkinen and Coulthard McLaren are my favorite team of all time :)

[@RacingPoint-io8yk]

Alonso and Hamilton 2007 for me :))))

[@RAZR_Channel]

The sound of the V10 McLaren alone is still my favorite after 22 years.

[@srxt6758]

@@RacingPoint-io8yk one season wonders. Absolutely legendary driver pairing. And the fact they ended up on same points. Couldnt write this stuff

[@alfredomartin98]

at the start, mika hakkinen caught the super mario star.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

This was literally the perfect start. He drops the clutch literally as the lights go out. Couldn't be more perfect.

[@tmb8807]

Think this might be the best start I've ever seen in F1. He leaves the entire field absolutely standing. With a title on the line. Mega.

[@nixxxon18]

And some wheelspin for MS made it look even better

[@soty391]

Clutch ??

[@z-ro34]

Something about the Finnish and Japan.

[@squirtreynoldscinema]

@@soty391 Yes, clutch. The clutch PEDAL disappeared in the 90s and was replaced with two clutch paddles on the steering wheel along with gear paddles. The clutch is only used when you start rolling, like from the pit or the starting grid.

[@ivicapavic3381]

When waking up at 3am for Suzuka was actually worth it, for both the qualifying and the race.

[@Kibouo]

Amazing start - zero wheelspin!

[@BollocksUtwat]

+Assoluta 2 years before launch control.

[@TheColinChapman]

Assoluta better say - ten to fifteen percent of wheelspin, since this is what gives You the best acceleration.

[@PastaRulla]

Yeah, he said that he did not release the cluch totally, only half way so there would not be any wheel spin and after that he slowly released the clutch. And he said that it was his best start ever in his career.

[@pauloliver6813]

Greatest start in F1, given what was at stake.

[@Balnazzardi]

One of the most superb starts I've seen in F1...just look how he was "miles" ahead of Schumi and every1 else to the first corner!.....you simply dont see stuff like this these days anymore

[@Danlolwtfbbq]

Amazing how peaceful the first lap of a race is from onboard the first place car, nothing ahead but the track and no noise but your own... Great launch by Mika, his rivalry with MSC is what got me interested in the sport.

[@Kyogre997]

The sound when a v10 goes to 7th... Simply amazing

[@mkZagreb]

That car had 6 gears. McLaren got 7th gear in 2002.

[@maciekwysocki2009]

@@mkZagreb nope. PM 4\13 from 1998 was the last McLaren with 6-speed grarbox. MP 4\14 was the first McLaren w 7-speed gearbox

[@StefanClift]

It's quite refreshing to see the old layouts of circuits. They seem to flow so much better when safety wasn't an issue. Such a shame

[@Ferariiman]

but Suzuka hasn't changed so much (with the minor exception of 130R), it is almost unaltered compared to tracks like Fuji or Hockenheim

[@ninoschier9528]

"When safety wasnt an issue " Look at 50s and 60s tracks. 90s tracks

[@pedrobernardi9409]

Then do you prefer less safety?!

[@kanava9996]

@@pedrobernardi9409 Less safety makes for more excitement

[@m1co294]

​​​@@kanava9996 about 52 drivers died in F1, fifteen in the 50s, fourteen in the 60s, twelve in the 70s, four in the 80s, two in the 90s and one in this century. One fatality, even though we've completely accepted how safe F1 has become over the course of 73 years, and we've seen more deaths in other motorsport series. You're frankly stupid for thinking safety should be neglected, I hope you've had a change of heart within the 3 years from when you thought that.

[@IMrIMike]

You can clearly see this heavy G-Forces in the Corners on his legs.Really impressive.

[@IILagavulinII]

Has anyone ever had a better start to a title decider?

[@23delpaN]

Lewis Hamilton 2014 Abu Dhabi GP.

[@IILagavulinII]

23delpaN Yes, Lewis' was a dream get away.

[@ArjunSingh-kw4dd]

+IILagavulinII Felipe massa....2015 British gp :) Not a title decider but a great start :)

[@IILagavulinII]

+Arjun Singh Indeed. Both Williams had blinding starts that day. Pity they couldn't hang on to it. Would've been a popular win I think.

[@ArjunSingh-kw4dd]

IILagavulinII it was because they didn't let bottas pass Massa........ As massa is an awesome starter but he can't maintain that raw pace throughout the race which bottas can as we sat that he wasn't able to break away from even the 1 second barrier and by the tym Silver arrows pitted, Williams were fucked completely :) the same thing happened in Austria 2014.

[@jraybay]

I always liked the late 90's, early 2000's McLaren cars. They barely had a wheel, they were like extremely fast soapbox cars lol. Joking aside, those west McLarens were so sleek and sharp looking. Very beautiful liveries.

[@danielbissell3820]

That mclaren was unreal.. super fast but such a handful to drive and mika mastered it beautifully

[@BrainyCesarin1]

How i miss this F1 (1999 - 2008). SNIFF... :(

[@JoeBorg1]

These cars just flowed so nicely, it sounds like those V10s are being fuelled on double cream. I love that moment of silence every time he lifts off for a slow corner and the engine is almost silent.

[@SchumiJr.]

This was 20 years ago! What a sound from this Mclaren!

[@SchumiJr.]

@spilot101 you think so? Well for me F1 was always a great sport

[@hmj2k3]

A perfect Lap and a perfect start, Miss Mika HakKinen

[@cantulug-]

he is absolutely flying. nice engine, nice sound..

[@detonator2112]

Hakkinen was one hell of a driver. Had a competive winning car only for 3 years. Took 2 WDC's, 20 race wins and 26 pole positions out of that. Schumacher and Hakkinen were so much better and more talented than anyone during that time, it wasn't even funny.

[@xvita18]

incredible reaction, almost looks like he risked a possible jump start :D

[@xzzachzx]

He did, if you pause it and listen closely, he drops the clutch half a second before the lights dim out.

[@batiittos]

Like Mika said, the ferrari just was quicker and overtaking in the start was the only way to win.

[@FosterZygote]

Zack Ergun Its possible that the sound is slightly out of sync on this video. If you watch the start with no sound, it is clear that the lights are out before the car moves.

[@grandmasterj5]

Mika made that lap in an F1 car look stupidly easy!! Not fair! :D Very smooth and a great controlled start

[@lammhult100]

INSANE start! Schumi actually made an okay start but compared to MIKA he stand still!

[@Sam581]

This is one of the most exciting moments in F1 history.

[@bytiful]

He has traction control. In his right foot. What a driver!

[@Ch3moo]

Damn, he launched like a rocket!

[@markmark5269]

Amazing start, people who have raced know just how close to a stall/bog down that was, he got away with it, and became world champion.

[@Arlind22]

a true legend and probably the only one who could challenge Schumacher. I used to enjoy so much the two driving against each other. Those times are over, overtaking nowadays is push the button to get extra 80 hp, just like playing a play station game.

[@qettyz]

superb video of Mika's first lap! Thanks for uploading!

[@ryanstarfish]

What a start!

[@DeMichel93]

That steering "wheel" is just amazing and funny at the same time. Great job from McLaren back then

[@kwirkkwirksn1090]

a hell of a start by Mika :)

[@carlpro14]

Fkn hell this is bloody 17 years old!

[@mategradac199]

24...

[@carlpro14]

Im born in 99 so yeah i know :D@@mategradac199

[@domusch111]

My most favorite driver EVER!! Miss you Mika and this F1!

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

That stormed him to Victory and his second title

[@danw1594]

Before the gnarly sound of v10 with traction control. Can't imagine how hard these cars were to drive

[@michaeldavis2531]

Oh yeah. About 800 hp, all motor. No traction control, very little aerodynamic downforce. Oh yes... And grooved tires, which were specifically introduced and designed to slow the cars down, by decreasing the amount of traction and grip available.

[@s.w.4174]

I miss that V10!:(

[@laurihaar1638]

I have to say Mika and Ayrton are one of the few drivers that turn in "too early" and tip toe the back end of the car around the corner. Michael and Kimi on the other hand, take a lot of corners "too wide", but use the throttle to steer the car around the corner, maximizing exit speed. I've watched about 20 years of F1 and believe it or not, George Russell has a similar driving style to Mika and Ayrton. Alonso is somewhat similar, but he uses the understeer of the car to his advantage, while Mika and Ayrton turn in early, use the engine brake to break the traction of the rear tires and swing the back end around. Insane what these pilots are doing considering this all happens within fractions of a second and while the car is very much on the limits.

[@MH22162]

It was funny to see how Mika and Michael had already got like a two second lead over Panis after the first lap. There was just no stopping these two guys in their primes, even when they were battling for the lead they were usually the two fastest drivers lapping around the track. Unlike usually when the driver battling for position driver slower laps.

[@detonator2112]

Exactly. Mika and Michael were ridiculously above everyone else during that time. On the other hand the competition was much tougher in the 80's.

[@Davetheravepow]

What an amazing start!!!!!

[@tomholmes6214]

It's amazing how open the cockpit is

[@jdevans2640]

maybe one day they will bring the v10s back

[@zm2y611]

1.0l v10 + 500hp electric engine ;)

[@WhiteLion2013]

Maybe one day we'll be seing only electric motors

[@suokkis89]

Nice start, Amazing, Mika you are my hero,

[@MindfulnessGamer]

Schumacher knew what he was doing at the start, he didn’t want Irvine to win the championship

[@rodzor]

He wanted to be the one to bring the title to Ferrari? 🤔 knowing Schumacher that is totally plausible 😂

[@mategradac199]

It is why he gave Irwine victory in Malaysia?

[@rodzor]

@@mategradac199 Yea but it would've been obvious in Malaysia, he really had no choice but to move over due to team orders since Irvine was right behind him. I wouldn't say he let Mika pass him on purpose, or that he purposefully didn't push to win the race, I just said it is plausible.

[@fiarandompenaltygeneratorm5044]

Schumacher fans always have an excuse ready when he gets smoked. (And they have a lot of excuses! 🤣)

[@MegaShaun999]

what a start he got no wonder they love the v10 engine so much power

[@ciro79]

Mika Hakinenn a legend.

[@alvingordon25]

The best start was 1998 Italian grand prix, Michael was taking a walk and the McLaren's blew by him

[@iceangel9006]

Cracking start!!!!!!

[@Panos125S]

AΥΤΟ ΕΙΝΑΙ!!!Δε χορταινω να βλεπω αυτο το ασημι κ μαυρο πανω στην μακλαρεν με οδηγο τον ιπταμενο φιλανδο,κ αυτον τον γλυκο ηχο απο τον V10!!!Rest in peace F1...

[@SchumiJr.]

I just love this sound!

[@RistoKappet]

beautiful natural car control in the old days, pure v10 power control and little aero

[@pessimo53]

werent hakkinen and coulthard's steering wheel a bit different?

[@Stereolabdream]

You've just watched the finest F1 start, under pressure of a championship, in history...By the first corner, Hakkinen was at least 50 metres ahead of Schumacher...

[@mategradac199]

Dis Schumaher have motivation? He came in Ferrari to win title, not to gave Irvine title....

[@dony7898]

What a start by Hakkinen!:)

[@TorQue_WrenCh]

F1 looks really fast back then include with the best engine sound

[@schwalbstar]

the speed is just crazy.. :) i took a seat in a BMW M5(F10) driven by professional drive at it was fast. but this... awesome.

[@afiqhanifah]

this is the most clean older F1 onboard video...

[@Ferariiman]

oh I feel u. Some hours ago I wanted to see FP3 and when I opened the satellite receiver I've found out that BBC has disabled the Formula 1 feeds :(

[@mclarenguy22]

One of the best years ever. ;)

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

That start was ridiculous!

[@MerrasMies]

how perfect start that was? : > We miss you Mika!

[@MrGoThrough]

Mega start!

[@donavinstein5831]

My personal favorite driver

[@RAZR_Channel]

One of the few Great Drivers to make it to retirement - Alive. He was the only driver that even Schumacher said was a threat so I wish Mika had given it 1 more season. Although I was sad to see him go... I am happy that he lives...

[@fiarandompenaltygeneratorm5044]

Except for Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt, and Ayrton Senna every great driver made it to retirement - Alive.

[@glolabs5005]

Damn mika start like a rocket 🚀

[@azaleos]

1999-2004. the best era of f1

[@Fenderfan1975]

Cigarettes sponsorships, beautiful look cars, engine's sound fantastic, great driver's, track's awesome and safe.. Great memories with...when formula 1 was formula 1.

[@VijayKanta]

These were the times I was a hardcore schumi fan and these McLaren super sonic cars were blowing him and the field away to pieces.

[@cubeddoubled1543]

Vijay Kanta didn’t Ferrari win the constructor’s title in 1999 tho? Ferrari must have been pretty close to McLaaren

[@justjustjoo]

Dalien Otisi Yeah Ferrari won constructor's title that year. McLaren had reliability issues much more often. But when the cars worked - they worked.

[@SilvoSurfer]

What a start

[@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect]

Okay, 30 seconds into race, and I already this type of F1:D

[@Ferariiman]

@BonakiD24 Today's mclaren engine (with accordance of the FIA regulations): Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y 2.4L (146 cu in) V8 (90°). Naturally-aspirated, 18,000 RPM limited with KERS, mid-mounted. Horsepower is not disclosed ------- The 1999 car was using this: 3.0L Mercedes FO110H 72° V10, naturally aspirated, mid-mounted. HP: 800 bhp / 589 kW @ 17,100 rpm

[@NYlocked]

Best start ever! Schumi should had pentaly at start, changed lane more then i can count...

[@hairil786]

i miss V10

[@tweber1286]

I miss Mika and those beautiful v10s

[@Antti88]

I miss these days 👌

[@Charlizarate]

cuanta nostalgia.

[@joshhhieee1]

That Engine Noise is the best f1 sound since the 1995 Ferrari V12 !

[@Boxyno1]

Seems very smooth and kinda slow (relatively), he doesn't attack the final chicane at all. Would this be because it's the first lap and the tyres need to be warmed up? I'm not being critical in any way, I'm simply intrigued and curious.

[@reptongeek]

@Tristan154UK Certain gravel traps got changed to tarmac (Spoon Curve), 130R was re-profiled and so was the Casio Triangle (final corner)

[@MajorLiteral]

Watch the screen in the top right. Schumacher tried swiping all the way across the track to block Hakkinen but Hakkinen was too fast.

[@nj3005]

Great start for Hakkinen

[@mclarenguy22]

Same for me - I'm fine wit today's F1 but it simply isn't the same.

[@hadorstapa]

What a launch!

[@utewidjaya8236]

Great start from Mika...

[@JoeBorg1]

@Boxyno1 The grooved tyres do take a while to warm up, but he's just super smooth as the downforce levels are pretty high so no need to fight the car round. The engine's also very quiet on throttle off, which can be deceptive

[@ahmz1404]

he made that lap look so easy

[@F1FullRace]

what an start!

[@FarmerParky94]

That start though

[@romelnegut2005]

I miss the japanese GP.

[@NikosMetaxotos]

something more than grrrrreat

[@Str8representing]

Can anybody tell where I can watch the full race?

[@BADZENKO]

BEST START EVER !!!

[@9MN3E2F]

完璧なスタートだ。

[@tdougs77]

such smoooth driving!

[@Str8representing]

@bytiful was there no TC in that car?

[@mclarenguy22]

Quite a lot of fans think otherwise.