He was too young to retire!!! He couldn't handle the pressure of fighting for the championship especially against such an aggressive driver like Schumacher. He would have to go over the top, to extreme, to fight Schumacher , which means taking many risks....!!!
My all-time hero of F1. Many promising drivers suffered severe injuries that turned their careers around. Herbert, Panis, Massa to only name a few, were never the same after their injuries. Something in their psyche woke them up, made them aware of the danger of what they’re engaging in. Mika had his horrible accident and came out of it faster than ever before. Where many backed off, he kept pushing and redefining F1 against one of the most successful drivers to grace the sport in MSC. To then be humble, recognize that he left his mark in what he was so passionate about and retire to spend time with his family was just the epitome of what I deem a wonderful career. I hold very deep respect for this man. He followed his passion, overcame life-threatening adversity, had success against all odds and understood when it’s time to pass the baton onto the next generation. Not just an outstanding athlete, but also an amazing human being. May he age well and have many happy moments among friends and family. Bless you Mika and bless you all who read this. ❤
We always missed you in F1 Mika, your skill, humor and your example as a sportsman. But we are grateful that you came out alive. I am Brazilian, everybody know what i mean...
I think he took retirement decision very quickly, he still had atleast 2 yrs of RACING left........the reason why I feel sorry for his retirement is that F1 would have been far more competitive and exiting if he was there to compete with Michael Shumacher.........Might just be that he might just not win championship with Michale n Ferrari on track....but it is more about seeing competition and excitement......What race we would have with Shumacher, Mika, Juan Pablo Montaya, Coulthard, Barichello , Ralf, Alonso all fighting for championship........Anyways Mika's retirement was loss to F1 as a sport if not as a business.
Smart move he had. Some don't know how to stop. Alain Prost stopped also at the right time, at the best time: when he was world champion. Great ending. Hakkinen is one of my favorite F1 driver.