50

26.10.1997
Europe
Jerez

Lining up fifth and sixth on the grid after trouble with traffic in the qualifying session, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard get away well to run fourth and fifth early on in the race. After some quick refuelling in the first round of pit stops, they pass William’s Heinz-Harald Frentzen and chase down the leaders.

Ahead of them, title rivals Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve collide while fighting for the lead. Schumacher is forced to retire, while Villeneuve has to limp to the chequered flag, allowing Hakkinen and Coulthard past to secure a memorable one-two for McLaren Mercedes.

It is Hakkinen’s maiden Formula 1™ win, in his 96th grand prix, and a springboard for the McLaren team to challenge for the championship the following year.

Story

Back