On this day 20 years ago an engine failure for Mika Hakkinen drastically changed the complexion of the 2000 championship fight, and brought Michael Schumacher within touching distance of the title.
Ben Evans's articles on RaceFans
Motorsport commentator Ben is RaceFans' resident bookworm. Look out for his verdict on the latest motor racing publications on Sundays.
“Jochen Rindt – Uncrowned King of Formula 1” reviewed
F1 reviews
Posted onDavid Tremayne’s biography of the only driver ever to be crowned world champion after his death has been reissued 50 years after the crash which claimed the life of Jochen Rindt.
Schumacher turns the tide against McLaren on tragic day at Monza
2000 Italian Grand Prix flashback
Posted onAn emotional Michael Schumacher wept after equalling Ayrton Senna’s victory tally 20 years ago today, following a crash which claimed the life of a marshal at Monza.
Hakkinen stuns Schumacher with three-wide pass for fourth win
2000 Belgian Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMika Hakkinen denied Michael Schumacher victory in the Belgian Grand Prix with a thrilling, three-wide pass on this day 20 years ago.
“Shadow: The magnificent machines of a man of mystery” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onSeventies team Shadow produced some remarkable results, and endured a terrible tragedy, during its brief time in F1. Enigmatic former boss Don Nichols spoke to Pete Lyons for this new book.
Hakkinen’s flying start fires him into championship lead
2000 Hungarian Grand Prix flashback
Posted onOn this day 20 years ago Michael Schumacher lost the championship lead for the first time in his bid to win the 2000 title after a stunning start by Mika Hakkinen at the Hungaroring.
Barrichello takes maiden win as Mercedes protester disrupts race
2000 German Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMichael Schumacher suffered his second first-lap crash in as many races in the German Grand Prix 20 years ago today, but that was only the first of the day’s dramas.
Schumacher crashes, Hakkinen wins – but McLaren lose their points
2000 Austrian Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMichael Schumacher’s progress to his first world title with Ferrari suffered a blow when he crashed out on lap one in Austria 20 years ago today, and Mika Hakkinen won.
Bonus for Coulthard after passing Schumacher to win
2000 French Grand Prix flashback
Posted onThe French Grand Prix, 20 years ago today, marked the mid-point in the season. Michael Schumacher started from pole position, but had David Coulthard’s rapid McLaren alongside.
“Chris Pook and the History of the Long Beach Grand Prix” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onChris Pook, arguably one of few race promoters who put one over Bernie Ecclestone, speaks candidly to veteran US writer Gordon Kirby in this fascinating new book.
“One day I will pay him back”: Barrichello follows Schumacher home in Canada
2000 Canadian Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMichael Schumacher won in the wet 20 years ago today in Canada after Ferrari told Rubens Barrichello to follow his brake-troubled team mate home.
“Take Risk!”: Richard Noble’s land speed record book review
Reviews
Posted onRichard Noble may not be a racing driver, but he’s gone faster than almost anyone else on land, so we bent the RaceFans house rules to include this review of his new book.
Coulthard triumphs as Schumacher’s luck deserts him in Monaco
2000 Monaco Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMichael Schumacher was romping to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix 20 years ago today when misfortune struck the Ferrari driver.
“A Race With Love and Death” – Richard Seaman biography reviewed
Reviews
Posted onMotorsport and politics intertwine in this story of Richard ‘Dick’ Seaman, the pre-war British ace who gave the Nazi salute following his 1938 German Grand Prix win and died the following year.
Schumacher passes Hakkinen to win rain-hit home race and extend points lead
2000 European Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMichael Schumacher edged closer to his first world title for Ferrari 20 years ago today by passing Mika Hakkinen to win in the rain at home.
Watch: Four title dramas at the Circuit de Catalunya
It's Not Race Week
Posted onIt’s not race week – but we’ve got another piece of motorsport action you might have missed the first time to enjoy. This week, four thrilling, championship-deciding races at the Circuit de Catalunya in 2012.
“Niki Lauda: The Biography” reviewed
F1 reviews
Posted onIs this new biography of Niki Lauda, who died one year ago this month, the pick of a growing number of new books on the three-times champion?
“Faster: How a Jewish driver, an American heiress and a legendary car beat Hitler’s best” reviewed
Review
Posted onAlthough 2020 has disappointed us in so many ways, it is proving to be a bit of a bumper year for books on pre-war motorsport.
Hakkinen leads McLaren one-two as Coulthard races on after plane crash
2000 Spanish Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMika Hakkinen cut Michael Schumacher’s points lead by winning the Spanish Grand Prix 20 years ago today, while David Coulthard rebounded after a fatal plane crash.
Coulthard stops Schumacher’s winning run amid Silverstone’s April showers
2000 British Grand Prix flashback
Posted onMichael Schumacher’s pursuit of his first championship with Ferrari suffered a setback 20 years ago today following a resurgent performance by McLaren at Silverstone.