F1 Beyond The Grid LEGENDS: Mika Hakkinen’s 1995 crash + incredible recovery
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Oct 29, 2025 In this engaging discussion, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen shares his harrowing experience of the 1995 Adelaide crash. He vividly recounts the moment of impact and his long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. Mika openly reflects on how the incident shaped his relationship with family and his view on risk. He discusses the nerves of his comeback test and how he quickly regained his speed. Through it all, Mika emphasizes the importance of support and resilience in overcoming trauma.
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The Moment The Car Launched
- Mika describes losing the rear tyre at high speed, hitting a high kerb and being launched into a tyre wall.
- He woke in the car unable to move and realised the crash was very serious.
Emergency Tracheotomy On Track
- Emergency medics performed an on-track tracheotomy when Mika couldn't breathe.
- He remembers the pain briefly before passing out under heavy medication.
Long Hospital Stay And Nerve Tests
- Mika spent around one to two months in hospital with many scans and nerve tests.
- His face was partly paralysed but nerves were bruised rather than severed after painful examinations.