1998 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka
Michael Schumacher at the back of the grid on final restart
1998 F-1 Japanese Grand Prix, video footage digitized by Snappy
With McLaren/Mercedes' Mika Hakkinen leading the F1 championship points with 90 and Ferrari's Michael Schumacher in close second with 86, the stage was set to determine the 1998 Formula One World Champion at Suzuka, Japan, the last race of the season. In order for Schumacher to be champion, he had to finish first while Hakkinen had to finish third or later, or Schumacher had to finish second and Hakkinen to finish sixth or later - tie breaker would have gone to Hakkinen (he would've had more first or second place finishes for the season, depending on the scenario).
F-1 Cars Exiting First Turn on the First Lap
1998 F-1 Japanese Grand Prix, video footage digitized by Snappy
The Driver's Championship title, however, was virtually decided before the race had completed the first official lap. On the first start, Jarno Trulli (Prost/Peugeot) stalled his engine, which caused a restart (he went to the back of the grid per F-1 rules). On the second start, the hearts of many fans sank incredulously as Michael Schumacher stalled his Ferrari. Schumacher went to the back of the grid, while Hakkinen, who qualified second, inherited pole position.
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