Grapevine: Bild: Hakkinen to be Replaced by Raikkonen

Mika Hakkinen will announce his retirement from Formula One racing at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix and he will be replaced at McLaren by Finn Kimi Raikkonen, according to a report published by German tabloid Bild on Thursday.

The McLaren team are yet to announce their drivers line-up for the 2002 season, and Hakkinen's future has been in doubt after a dismal year with the Woking-based outfit. Hakkinen has scored only 24 points in fourteen races so far this year, compared to his teammate's David Coulthard 57.

It was believed that McLaren's decision to use a four-driver line-up for 2002 - with two test drivers - was the reason why Ron Dennis' team were delaying the announcement. However, according to the Bild report, which didn't cite any specific sources, Hakkinen will announce his retirement this weekend and will be replaced by Raikkonen.

The report included quotes from Mercedes boss Jurgen Hubbert and from Hakkinen's wife Erja, both suggesting the Finn is about to call it a day at the end of the 2001 season.

"Mika is tired by now, his only thought isn't racing anymore, it's his family," Hubbert said. Meanwhile, Erja Hakkinen added: "Mika has been World Champion twice, he has nothing left to prove."

The paper said the Raikkonen deal was nearly concluded and everything would be wrapped up by Saturday, with Dennis having to pay $10 million to Peter Sauber.

"We expect to make an announcement from our side at Monza," Hubbert also said.

Hakkinen's manager on Thursday declined to comment on the report, saying only Hakkinen's McLaren team could discuss the issue.

"Any news with respect to contracts will be announced by the team," 1982 champion Keke Rosberg told Reuters. "McLaren will make an announcement when it suits them. It is not my duty to discuss the subject, my duty is to complete contracts on behalf of Mika and that's as far it goes."

Rosberg acknowledged that 2001 had been tough for Hakkinen.

"Racing drivers don't only have perfect years, they have frustrating years... it is typical of the sport," he said. "Even a 100-metre runner has things beyond his control, he might have injuries, might pull a hamstring."

Asked whether it would be a disappointment if Hakkinen were to retire after such a frustrating season, Rosberg said: "Wouldn't it indeed?"

However, a McLaren spokesperson said on Thursday the report was "all speculation."