After the opening two races of the 1998 Formula 1 season it looked as though McLaren would be impossible to beat as long as they stayed reliable. Mika Hakkinen won in Australia and Brazil, with his team-mate David Coulthard second on both occasions.
Schumacher Breaks McLaren Dominance in Argentine Grand Prix
For the first time in 1998 there was a car other than a McLaren on the front row of the grid. Coulthard started from pole, but Michael Schumacher managed to qualify his Ferrari second, one place ahead of Hakkinen. Eddie Irvine was fourth in his Ferrari, and Ralf Schumacher started fifth in his Jordan.
Coulthard led away, while Hakkinen managed to pass Michael Schumacher for second. The German was soon back in front and began to look for a way past the race leader. He made an aggressive move, which resulted in Coulthard spinning and the Ferrari driver taking over first position. Michael Schumacher, on a two stop strategy as opposed to Hakkinen’s one stop, then drove quickly enough to keep the Finn behind him. Hakkinen finished second and Irvine was third. Alexander Wurz was pleased to be fourth in his Benetton, ahead of Jean Alesi’s Sauber and a fuming Coulthard.
Coulthard Wins San Marino Grand Prix
After the disappointment of being pushed out of the lead in Argentina, Coulthard responded magnificently at Imola by winning the race from pole. His nearest challenger, Hakkinen, retired from the Grand Prix with a gearbox problem, while Michael Schumacher could only finish a distant second. Irvine was again third, with Jacques Villeneuve fourth, Heinz-Harald Frentzen fifth and Alesi sixth.
Another McLaren 1-2 in Spanish Grand Prix
Qualifying in Spain followed the usual script, with Hakkinen on pole and Coulthard second. Michael Schumacher was third on the grid, Giancarlo Fisichella fourth and Wurz fifth.
Michael Schumacher made a slow start, being passed by both Irvine and Fisichella. The Ferrari number one had to wait until the pit stops to get back in front of the pair. Irvine and Fisichella managed to end both of their races early by colliding with each other.
Hakkinen dominated the race and won from Coulthard. Michael Schumacher was a distant third, despite having to serve a stop/go penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Wurz had another good Sunday afternoon, finishing in fourth. Rubens Barrichello scored the Stewart team’s first points of the season in fifth and Villeneuve was sixth for Williams.
1998 Formula 1 season review continues.
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