Mika Hakkinen Compares Modern Formula One With His Championship Era

Former Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen says he would pick the loud V10 engine of the past over modern power units, but would choose a current F1 car over his 1998 title-winning McLaren if he had to drive one today.

Modern Changes

Hakkinen retired in 2001 after winning back-to-back world championships with McLaren in 1998 and 1999. He points out that today's cars are much heavier, weighing around 800 kilograms compared to the roughly 600-kilogram cars of his era. Modern teams also operate on a vastly different scale. While Hakkinen once worked with four or five engineers after practice, current drivers coordinate with a team of around 40 people who each focus on a specific part of the car.

Data And Simulators

Technology, artificial intelligence, and detailed data have transformed how teams develop their vehicles. Instead of spending three or four days testing at a circuit after a Grand Prix as teams did in the past, modern drivers use simulators at the factory to study car behaviour. Sensors also help engineers pinpoint problems much faster than when Hakkinen had to rely purely on experience and memory. Despite these digital tools, drivers still need to give precise feedback on grip and acceleration, and Hakkinen stresses that natural talent and the ability to handle pressure remain just as important as ever.

Future Pairings

If he started his career today, Hakkinen would want to race against Oscar Piastri for his smooth driving and respect for rivals, and would choose Lando Norris as a teammate to see how he works with engineers. He also notes that McLaren driver Pato O'Ward recently drove his old car at Laguna Seca in the United States and was thrilled by the experience.

Context

Formula One has undergone massive technical and operational changes over the past two decades, shifting away from heavy on-track testing toward advanced simulation and data analysis. Retired champions often reflect on these shifts, comparing the raw mechanical feel of older eras with the high-tech precision of modern motorsport.