Becoming F1 World Champion - with Mika Hakkinen

Becoming F1 World Champion - with Mika Hakkinen

From F1 Explains by Formula 1

December 5, 2025 · 23 min

About this episode

Mika Hakkinen discusses the mindset and strategies required to become a Formula 1 World Champion.

What does a Formula 1 driver need to become a World Champion? Can they really approach a title decider as if it’s any other race? And is it better to be leading the way or chasing? Ahead of this weekend’s three-way title showdown between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen joins Christian Hewgill in the Yas Marina paddock to explain what it takes to achieve motorsport’s biggest prize. Mika remembers the moment in his career when he knew he could win a championship, how that changed his mentality and the approach he took to his title deciders in 1998 and 1999. Get your question answered on the podcast If you have a question for F1 Explains email F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more official F1 podcasts In-depth interviews with the stars of Formula 1 on F1 Beyond The Grid Expert insight before and after every Grand Prix on F1 Nation

People in this episode

Host: Christian Hewgill

Guest: Mika Hakkinen

Topics covered

  • Formula 1
  • World Champion
  • racing mentality
  • title decider
  • motorsport
  • Mika Hakkinen

Keywords

  • F1
  • World Champion
  • Mika Hakkinen
  • title decider
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
  • racing strategy
  • motorsport

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Formula 1

Places: Abu Dhabi

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