Mika enters the zone ahead of a final showdown

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

Mika Hakkinen will more than likely travel down memory lane today, celebrating 26 years since his second F1 world championship triumph in 1999

And what a crowning it was!

After Michael Schumacher was sidelined by a broken leg sustained in a crash at Silverstone, the epic 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.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.