Hakkinen 'a Few Weeks Away' From Return Decision

A calm and relaxed Mika Hakkinen made his return to the Grand Prix paddock on Thursday morning and faced a barrage of media questions over his return to the grid in 2003.

The two-time World Champion, who took a sabbatical from the McLaren team last year, spoke in their communications centre for the first time since disappearing from the Formula One scene, and insisted he is still considering a comeback.

"At the moment I still have quite a few weeks before I have to make a decision," he said. "I cannot say a percentage at the moment. I am just here with my old friends to enjoy the weekend and I don't think (a decision) is going to happen today."

Hakkinen admitted that he is missing "winning and working with the people" but hinted that the competitiveness of the current McLaren-Mercedes car may not be good enough to tempt him back.

The Monaco resident has split his time between relaxing in his apartment in the Mediterranean principality and travelling around the globe with his wife Erja and son Hugo. It appears he is still keeping in touch with the Grand Prix scene, but he evaded questions over the pace of McLaren's current offering.

Sitting alongside team chief Ron Dennis, Hakkinen said: "When I watch the Grands Prix my hands are sweating and I think it is still fantastic and exciting to see the races."

Hakkinen, 33, admitted he has put on "a couple of kilos" but insisted he "expects" McLaren to give him a drive if he comes back. Dennis, however, insisted there would have to be negotiations over a deal if the Finn decided to give Formula One another go.

"There was always a contract," Dennis said. "It is a decision he has to make and then we will make a response. At the moment he has excluded (Formula One) from his thought process. He is in a pretty tranquil place at the moment and he doesn't have to think about it."