Schumacher when preparing to retire from F1 after the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix (Photo : Reuters )
Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen were major rivals during the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix race, but not anymore. Hakkinen wishes Schumacher a quick recovery after the former Ferrari racer and seven-time world champion suffered a brain injury while skiing in the French Alps in December 2013.
The all-time competitors were the biggest names in the Formula One racing universe back in the days. Through the McLaren website, Hakkinen remembered the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix where he and Schumacher were in a tight race against each other.
Hakkinen acknowledged that the race had been a distressing experience when he tried to, and managed eventually, passing and taking the lead from Schumi in the 41st lap of the race. Even after retaking the lead and holding on it in the last three laps of the race, Hakkinen indicated that Schumacher did not relent.
In the blog, Hakkinen said, "Through the next few turns Michael tried his best to harry me into a mistake, chucking his Ferrari around from left to right behind me, in an effort to unsettle me... but I held my nerve."
The two-time champion also complimented his former rival, who is still recovering from the accident that put him in an induced coma. Currently, not much is known about Schumi's health condition after his family requested for a news blackout on the matter.
Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager came to the fore through an interview a few months ago and declared that Schumi is improving. He said that because of the severity of the injuries, the recovery will be a long journey for Schumacher.
Through an article in New Zealand's TVNZ, Sabine said, "It will take a very long time for everybody involved to fight, and we are happy to take this fight."
Hakkinen expressed his desire and optimism that his "old friend" receives a miracle very soon.
