One of the classic rivalries in our sport was between Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen, and that rivalry intensified in 2000. Schumacher, already a 2-time world champion with Bennetton, had been nursing Ferrari back to health for 5 years without a world championship. Mika Hakkinen was the 2-time defending world champion with McLaren and was showing no signs of slowing down.

Coming into this race Mika held a solid points lead and was looking to expand on that lead and clinch a 3rd straight title. He scored the pole position but fell back behind Michael later in the race after pit stop cycles. A chase ensued and it culminated in this moment, giving Hakkinen the lead and undoubtedly scaring the Bejeezus out of Ricardo Zonta.

Mika would go on to win the race, but Michael would dominate each race for the rest of the season, giving him his 3rd championship and this first of five straight championships with Ferrari. Just one of many epic moments between two of our sport’s best.