Mika: 'I've been struggling'

Mika Hakkinen finished second to his team-mate David Coulthard and admitted for the first time that he is "struggling a bit"

The world champion has been surrounded by speculation he is burnt out and suffering from exhaustion and lacks motivation after winning two titles in two years.

In France he was out-qualified by the Scot for the third race in succession and in the race he followed him home to McLaren's third one-two in nine races - but played little part in the battle for victory.

"I have been struggling a little bit this weekend," he confessed afterwards.

"I haven't had any mechanical problems particularly this weekend but I couldn't get the right performance out of the car and get confidence in the corners.

"If I could do it over again I would do things differently to the car.

"We made radical changes overnight and today I was happier - that's why I am pleased to have finished second.

"No-one is ever totally happy with their car. I always wish I'm one second faster than everyone else.

"The reality is that we have the quickest cars on the track so we cannot complain too much."

With his wife Erja pregnant with their first child some believe he has lost the edge that made him so fast. He and the team strongly deny it.

The Finn finished 15 seconds behind Coulthard but admitted he eased off towards the flag to prevent a break down.

"When I saw Michael had a problem I realised David was too far ahead to be caught. We just had to hold on to first and second. It was a fabulous situation for the team.

"There was no point in pushing like mad and risk myself and the car. I just kept an eye on Rubens and drove so he couldn't catch me."

For French Grand Prix race report, click here.

For full results, click here.