LEGENDS: Mika Hakkinen’s 1995 crash + incredible recovery

30 years ago, a 120mph puncture sent Mika Hakkinen’s car spinning over a high kerb and into a wall of tyres. His McLaren did not have many of the safety devices modern F1 cars have. Mika suffered serious injuries which left him in hospital, unsure if he would ever race again.

Mika tells Tom Clarkson he thinks about his crash at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix every day, and he remembers the moment he lost control of the car and hit the wall vividly. He talks about his physical and mental recovery and the nerves he felt the first time he got back into a Formula 1 car after the crash.

Hakkinen returned to Formula 1 for the 1996 season, but says the crash had a lasting impact. He recalls how he shook off his doubts, rediscovered his speed and became strong enough to win the Formula 1 World Championship in 1998 and 1999.


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