1998 Hungarian Grand Prix

Lore & Background

The 77-lap race was won by German driver Michael Schumacher, driving a Ferrari, after he started from third position. Drivers' Championship leader, Finn Mika Häkkinen, took pole position in his McLaren-Mercedes and led the first 46 laps. Under guidance from Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn, Schumacher opted to take three pit stops rather than the two favoured by the McLarens, and took the lead after his second stop, before extending his advantage such that he could retain it after his third stop. Schumacher went on to win by 9.4 seconds from Briton David Coulthard in the other McLaren-Mercedes, with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve third in a Williams-Mecachrome.

In Their Own Story

The Hungarian air hung heavy with humidity as the FW20s lined up on the grid. The roar of Renault engines echoed off the trees surrounding the circuit. As the lights went out, Damon Hill navigated the chaotic first corner with veteran precision, holding his ground against a charging Mika Häkkinen. For forty laps, the race was a duel of attrition and tire management, but Hill's rhythm never faltered.

Reader's Guide

With Häkkinen dropping to sixth after shock absorber problems in the closing stages of the race, Schumacher cut the Finn's championship lead to seven points with four races remaining. In October 1998, the organisers of the race were fined US$1 million, with US$750,000 of it suspended, due to a track invasion. As there was no repeat of this invasion in the following two years, the fine was US$250,000.

Did You Know?

• The race was won by Michael Schumacher, not Damon Hill.
• Jacques Villeneuve finished third, not second, in a Williams-Mecachrome.
• Mika Häkkinen was the Drivers' Championship leader, not a driver named Mikkola.
• Williams did not win the 1998 Drivers' or Constructors' Championships.