As one of an elite group of drivers to ever have taken the challenge to the all-conquering Michael Schumacher over the course of the German's F1 career, Mika Hakkinen will always be regarded as a Formula One great, but back-to-back championship successes led to a disappointing two-year campaign in the 2000s as the might of Ferrari and Schumacher began to flex their muscles in a time of ever-increasing budgets, endless testing hours and extraordinary driver fitness.

After beating the Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine respectively in successive years for the drivers' crown in 1998 and 1999, few doubted he would be there or there abouts once again in 2000, as he fought to become only the second driver in the sport's history to win three championships back-to-back. It was not to be however, and the Finn ended the season 18 points behind Schumacher, but only after a glittering season's racing.

Despite two retirements to start the year, Hakkinen finished the following four races on the podium, including a victory in Spain. He was to produce another three wins that year, including his memorable triumph in Belgium where he overtook Schumacher at the end of the Kemmel straight with the help of Ricardo Zonta, which at the time gave him a six-point advantage at the top of the drivers' championship. But a string of four successive victories for Schumacher ultimately sealed the crown for the German.

In 2001, it was a combination of reliability and pace that cost him the chance of fighting for the world championship, as Schumacher streaked off into the distance to win the title by mid-August. Nevertheless, Hakkinen didn't fail to impress, taking victories in Great Britain and the United States, while also coming to within one lap of a Spanish Grand Prix win before he ground to a halt with a clutch failure.

With fellow Finn Kimi Räikkönen replacing him at the Woking-based side in 2002, Mika took an initial one-year sabbatical, before turning to full-time retirement by mid-season, ending the career of one of the sport's modern era stars. Although it took him some time to properly shine in a Formula One machine, it was unfortunate that he was unable to bow out at the top, where he deserved to be.

Decade highs:
Coming close to securing his third consecutive title in 2000
His superb overtaking manoeuvre on Schumacher near the end of the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix

Decade lows:
Losing a certain victory in Spain 2001 to a mechanical failure
Ending his F1 career on a low with a one-year sabbatical that transformed into retirement

2010s?
With him having hung up his racing boots, Hakkinen continues to be an ambassador for McLaren sponsor Johnny Walker, and has made his first steps into driver management, a path he is likely to follow for many years to come.