Mika Hakkinen, the legendary Formula 1 world champion, recently visited Chennai to inaugurate the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA). During his visit, he shared his insights on the current F1 season, McLaren’s resurgence, and the future of Indian racing.
Hakkinen expressed his admiration for the unpredictability of the 2024 F1 season, highlighting the emergence of talented drivers and the competitive nature of the races. He particularly praised McLaren’s resurgence, noting their consistent development and the team’s ability to challenge for victories.
Regarding the championship battle, Hakkinen acknowledged Lando Norris’s mathematical chance of winning the title but emphasized the challenges ahead. He also praised Oscar Piastri’s rise and the healthy rivalry between him and Norris, which he believes will motivate both drivers to perform at their best.
Hakkinen also discussed his mentorship of Formula 2 racer Kush Maini, expressing confidence in his potential to become India’s third F1 driver. However, he acknowledged that Maini’s current season could have been better and highlighted the need for consistency in his performance.
Hakkinen’s visit to MIKA showcased his support for grassroots motorsport development in India. He emphasized the importance of karting tracks in nurturing future racing talent and expressed his belief that MIKA will play a vital role in this regard.
