1999 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka
continued
Irvine Leading Coulthard at Exit of Turn One
1999 F-1 Japanese Grand Prix, photo by author
In the first few laps, Hakkinen kept increasing his distance from Schumacher - I suspect that Ferrari decided to load the car up with more fuel to prepare for a possible one-stop pit strategy while blocking Hakkinen. In the meantime, Coulthard shadowed Irvine's every move, keeping him close lap after lap. Schumacher led the race briefly when Hakkinen pitted before him, but Hakkinen led for good when Schumacher pitted. In the meantime, Coulthard went ahead of Irvine (and just barely when Irvine exited pit road) after an exciting series of pit stops. McLaren was now in position to checkmate Ferrari for the Driver's and Constructor's Titles...
Hakkinen & Schumacher at Finish
1999 F-1 Japanese Grand Prix, photo by author
It was now Irvine's turn to shadow Coulthard. However, before Coulthard could go in for his second pit stop, he spun off course to end McLaren's hope for a Constructor's title. Coulthard pitted for a new nose, came out and allegedly started to block Schumacher who was one lap ahead. (My opinion is that Coulthard was well within the guidelines of sportsmanship) His race ended early as he had to retire from mechanical problems, but Hakkinen won the race to earn the Driver's Title for McLaren for the second straight year. Schumacher and Irvine finished 2-3 to earn Constructor's Title for Ferrari for the first time in 16 years.
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