F1 Explains David Coulthard + Mika Hakkinen explain F1 team mate title battles - LIVE at the US Grand Prix
Oct 23, 2025
Join legends David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen as they reminisce about their fierce McLaren rivalry and explore the dynamics of team mate title battles. They dive into how McLaren managed their tense rivalry in the late '90s and compare it to the current tensions between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Discover the physical toll of braking in F1, humorous dog anecdotes related to the sport, and what jobs they might pursue if not for racing. Their banter reveals the balance between friendship and competition in the high-stakes world of F1.
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Team Rivalries Need Racing, Not Orders
- Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard say McLaren managed teammate rivalry by trying controlled race plans and avoiding team orders where possible.
- They argue fans want wheel-to-wheel racing and that drivers prefer racing over orchestrated outcomes.
When Team Orders Saved The Race
- David describes being told to control pace in Melbourne 1998 because the car hadn't done long runs in testing.
- He accepted team payment as if he'd won despite conceding position to Mika and respects Mika's championship win.
Crash With Schumacher Revealed Champion Mindset
- David recalls a heated post-crash meeting with Michael Schumacher where blame was disputed.
- He realised champions have absolute belief, differing from his own viewpoint.