Complete calendar with 16 races
The 1999 Formula 1 season delivered a dramatic and unpredictable championship battle that saw Mika Hakkinen claim his second consecutive World Championship for McLaren-Mercedes, though the year will be forever remembered for Michael Schumacher's season-ending injury at Silverstone and Eddie Irvine's valiant attempt to win Ferrari's first Drivers' Championship since 1979. The season showcased remarkable plot twists, strategic battles, and the depth of talent across the grid.
Hakkinen started the season strongly with victories in Australia and Brazil, establishing himself as the championship favorite. However, Ferrari had made significant progress over the winter, and Schumacher won in San Marino and Monaco to take the championship lead. The German appeared poised to finally deliver Ferrari their long-awaited Drivers' Championship, dominating the early European rounds and demonstrating the F399's competitive pace against the McLaren MP4-14.
The championship landscape changed dramatically at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. On the opening lap, Schumacher suffered a brake failure at Stowe corner and crashed heavily into the tire barriers, breaking his right leg in multiple places. The injury forced him out of action for the next seven races, seemingly ending Ferrari's championship hopes. However, teammate Eddie Irvine stepped up magnificently, winning four races and mounting a genuine title challenge in Schumacher's absence.
Irvine's transformation from reliable number two driver to championship contender was one of the season's most compelling storylines. The Ulsterman won in Australia, Austria, Germany, and Malaysia, receiving crucial support from Ferrari's tactical acumen and the temporary signing of Mika Salo as Schumacher's replacement. Salo performed admirably, even giving up a potential maiden victory at the Nurburgring to support Irvine's championship bid - a team orders decision that sparked debate about racing ethics.
Hakkinen remained consistent throughout the season despite McLaren's occasional reliability issues, winning in Spain, Canada, Hungary, and Japan. His championship fight with Irvine went down to the final race at Suzuka, where the Finn needed to finish ahead of the Ferrari driver to secure the title. In a tense race, Hakkinen controlled proceedings from the front while Irvine could only finish third, handing the McLaren driver his second championship by just two points - 76 to 74.
Schumacher returned for the final two races despite not being fully fit, immediately proving his worth by securing pole position in Malaysia and finishing second to help Irvine's championship cause. His presence underscored Ferrari's missed opportunity - had he not been injured, the Scuderia would likely have won both championships. Nevertheless, Ferrari claimed the Constructors' Championship with 128 points, ending McLaren's brief reign and securing their first constructors' title since 1983.
The season featured several memorable performances beyond the championship protagonists. David Coulthard won twice for McLaren but was hampered by reliability issues and strategic misfortunes that cost him a championship challenge. Heinz-Harald Frentzen emerged as a genuine contender for Jordan-Mugen Honda, winning in France and Italy and finishing third in the championship. Ralf Schumacher claimed his maiden victory for Williams at San Marino, while Johnny Herbert won for Stewart-Ford at the chaotic European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.
The 1999 season marked the final year of the 1990s and closed out a decade that had been defined by technological innovation, tragic loss, and fierce competition. Hakkinen's second championship confirmed his status among Formula 1's elite, though many wondered whether he would have prevailed had Schumacher remained healthy. Ferrari's constructors' title and Irvine's near-miss in the drivers' standings set the stage for the new millennium, when Schumacher would finally end Ferrari's championship drought and begin an unprecedented period of dominance. The season proved that in Formula 1, even the best-laid plans could be upended by a single moment of misfortune, and championships could turn on the smallest margins.