Mika Hakkinen has confirmed that he has retired from Formula One, the former double World Champion making his announcement on the day that McLaren announced that David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen will continue as team mates next season.  Alexander Wurz will remain with the team as its reserve driver.

"At the Monaco Grand Prix in 2001 I informed Ron (Dennis) that I wanted to stop, but he wanted to make sure that I had made the right decision and gave me the opportunity to take a sabbatical," said Hakkinen.  "Once I had spoken with Ron a hugeweight came off my shoulder, I really enjoyed the rest of the season and was able to win at Silverstone and Indianapolis.  At this year's Monaco Grand Prix I wasn't sure how I was going to feel but the visit made it clear to me that I had made the right decision and I told Ron that I was going to retire."

Hakkinen enjoyed an 11 year career in Formula One with Team Lotus and McLaren International, winning the World Championship for Drivers in 1998 and 1999.  In his last season in Formula One he won both the British and United States Grands Prix.