Grapevine: Hakkinen Set to Leave McLaren?

The rumours about two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen leaving the McLaren team at the end of the season are rapidly increasing after speculation in France indicated that teammate David Coulthard has already extended his contract with the Woking-based outfit.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis is thought to be waiting to sort out the name of his second driver before making the official announcement of Coulthard staying with them, and it is speculated that Hakkinen could be set to leave the British team.

The Finn has endured a nightmare season in 2001, having scored only nine points in ten races to Coulthard's 47, and the 32-year old is thought to be struggling to find motivation.

Hakkinen himself, however, has ruled out the possibility of retiring at the end of the season, though with most of the tops teams with their drivers' line-up secured for 2002 his options outside McLaren are not many.

As to who would take Hakkinen's place in case the Finn decides to leave McLaren, the rumours in France indicated that Jacques Villeneuve could be the hot favourite.

Villeneuve, World Champion in 1997, had already been linked to McLaren in the past and after another disappointing season with the British American Racing outfit, the Canadian could be set to switch teams.