Monday February 7th, 2005

Two times World Champion Mika Hakkinen says he will never race in Formula One again.

"Of course it's over! Write that. I'm ready to sign that," Hakkinen was quoted as saying in Monday's Iltalehti tabloid newspaper. "I'm now 36 years old. I'm not young anymore. Age is inevitably becoming an issue.

"It is impossible to think that I would drive in F1 for example in the 2006 season, because all the time the day is drawing nearer when my reactions become slower, my vision weakens and so on. That's the law of nature."

Hakkinen, champion with McLaren in 1998 and 1999 and still the last man to beat Ferrari's Michael Schumacher to the title, last competed in Formula One in 2001 but was linked with a possible comeback last year.

The Finn instead signed for Mercedes in this year's DTM German Touring Car championship.

Schumacher, winner of a record 13 races in a single season last year, is also 36 and now the oldest driver in Formula One. He is chasing his eighth title in 2005.

Published at 12:51:50 GMT

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