Mika enters the zone ahead of a final showdown

©TheCahierArchive

Mika Hakkinen will likely be traveling down memory lane on this day, celebrating 24 years since his second world championship triumph.

And what a crowning it was!

After Michael Schumacher was sidelined by a broken leg sustained in a crash at Silverstone, the 1999 title fight went down to the wire between Hakkinen and the German ace's Ferrari teammate, Eddie Irvine, with a final showdown taking place at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Ahead of the final battle, Hakkinen had a four-point deficit to his rival in the Drivers' standings, but a scintillating drive and a perfect two-stop strategy decided by McLaren thwarted Irvine's efforts.

However, as a consolation prize, Ferrari clinched the Constructors' championship.