2000 Formula 1 Review
Schumacher and Ferrari Clinched F1 Title at Suzuka
With three races remaining in the 2000 Formula 1 season the battle for the World Championship was between Michael Schumacher and defending title holder Mika Hakkinen. The 15th round of the year was the inaugural Formula 1 race at Indianapolis. The circuit used part of the famous speedway, combined with a specially designed infield section.
Schumacher Wins Indianapolis Formula 1 Race
Michael Schumacher quickly got to grips with the Indianapolis track, claiming pole position ahead of David Coulthard. Hakkinen lined up third, with Rubens Barrichello alongside him in the second Ferrari.
The race started on a damp track and Coulthard took the lead, but only because the Scotsman had jumped the start. He was soon in the pits serving a penalty, which dropped him out of contention for the win. Hakkinen also had a miserable day, retiring with an engine failure.
Michael Schumacher was left out front to cruise to victory, although he did lose concentration at one point, spinning his Ferrari before continuing. Barrichello finished second to the World Champion elect, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen’s Jordan third. Jacques Villeneuve scored more points for BAR with a fourth place finish, ahead of Coulthard and Ricardo Zonta in the other BAR.
Schumacher Wins Third Formula 1 World Championship
At Suzuka it was the title contenders on the front row, with Michael Schumacher ahead of Hakkinen. The Finn led early on but, when it started to rain, the Ferrari driver came into his own. At the second pit stops he leapfrogged Hakkinen, going on to win the race and the World Championship. He became the first Ferrari driver to win the title since Jody Scheckter in 1979. Hakkinen was second and Coulthard third. Barrichello was fourth, followed home by Jenson Button and Villeneuve.
Malaysian Grand Prix Won by Schumacher
The 2000 Formula 1 season ended with the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. Once again it was Michael Schumacher on pole, but this time he had Coulthard for company in second.
Hakkinen started from third and led briefly, but he had jumped the start and was brought in to serve his penalty. Coulthard and McLaren didn’t quite have the pace to challenge Michael Schumacher and had to settle for second place. Barrichello completed the podium in third, while Hakkinen recovered to fourth. The final points were scored by Villeneuve and Eddie Irvine.
After missing out on several previous occasions Michael Schumacher had finally fulfilled his dream of winning the World Championship in a Ferrari. In the years ahead the combination would dominate Formula 1.
2000 F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher
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