Interview: Hakkinen Explains Reasons for Break

Mika Hakkinen has cited the constant travelling involved in Formula One as one of the main reasons for his decision to take a break from the sport.

Hakkinen announced on Friday that he would make way for fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen at McLaren as he revealed plans to step away from Formula One and spend more time with his family.

Although Hakkinen says he will come back in 2003, his comments suggest that if he does not miss the thrill of racing next year his departure from the race seat at McLaren next year could spell the end of his career.

"It is good to take time off to recharge," said Hakkinen. "And you never know what will happen. I might like more than a one-year break. It is an opportunity to stop travelling. That takes a lot of time away from the family and you just get tired and are always looking at the calendar. I just want to try not looking at it for some time."

Hakkinen's wife Erja gave birth to his first son, Hugo, last year and becoming a father appeared to create a lapse in concentration for the once flying Finn. This year, as his son grows up, it appears Hakkinen's views on life are continuing to change, and he is looking for something new.

"I need to take it easy, organise the future and find the right thing for me to do," he said. "I want to find out if there is something else in my life apart from F1. You never know, I might enjoy something else."

Hakkinen is delighted to see young Finn Raikkonen coming in, and he suggested that in his current state of mind it may not have been fair on the team to continue as he would not be able to give his all.

"I don't think I could have given the best possible performance if I had continued and that is a very important reason as I don't want to do anything unless I will give 100 percent," he said. "I've been racing so many years and have always given 100 percent for racing, testing and all the promotions. It is not that there is something else that I want to do, I just need the break."

Hakkinen revealed that it was in Monaco where he had a discussion with McLaren team boss Ron Dennis. It has taken him and Dennis some time to assess the situation and come to a conclusion.

"The discussion was long, complicated and hard for all to understand why I felt the way I did," said Hakkinen. "But I've been with the team many years and they are more than a team after the things we've gone through.

"I knew we had to discuss a break and Ron fully understands that it is a good thing. I still enjoy racing, it is my passion. Maybe after four or five months I will miss it, but I may need to go back to racing. Ron Dennis understands that, and this is a great opportunity for me."