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Keynote SpeakerMika Hakkinen

The Flying Finn, Two-times Formula 1 Champion

Two-times Formula One World Champion Mika Hakkinen scored titles in 1998 and 1999 for the all-conquering McLaren-Mercedes Benz team. With 20 Formula One race victories and 51 top-three podium finishes to his credit, he ranks among the most successful drivers of all time and is widely regarded as one of... Read more

Watch Mika Hakkinen in action

Popular Talks by Mika Hakkinen

  • Motivation
  • Leadership
  • Competitiveness
  • Performance
  • Sports
  • Teamwork/Collaboration 
  • Safety & Risk Management 

Biography

Two-times Formula One World Champion Mika Hakkinen scored titles in 1998 and 1999 for the all-conquering McLaren-Mercedes Benz team. With 20 Formula One race victories and 51 top-three podium finishes to his credit, he ranks among the most successful drivers of all time and is widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers of the modern era.

He remains a much-admired member of the McLaren Formula 1 team, is an official ambassador of the Formula 1 World Championship and is a familiar face to fans in Europe through his broadcasting work on Viaplay.

From his very first Formula One drive in an uncompetitive Lotus in Phoenix in March 1991, it was clear that Hakkinen possessed the talent to reach the top. The blond Finn was a graduate of karting, winning the British Formula 3 Championship in 1990.

At the end of 1992, Hakkinen was signed as test driver for the 1993 season by McLaren, supporting Ayrton Senna and Michael Andretti. When Andretti left the team in September of that year, Hakkinen took his seat and celebrated his F1 debut by out-qualifying the great Senna in Portugal.

He spent 1994 and 1995 developing his skills, taking over as team leader when Senna left for Williams. His life was threatened by a serious accident at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide but the quick actions of medical crews led to a full recovery.

Mika won his first Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain, in 1997, collecting his first World Championship in style in 1998. He won eight of the 16 races. Although 1999 was a tougher year, he came back strongly, scoring a further five Grands Prix victories en route to retaining his crown at the final race of the season.

By then he was well established as the only man capable of out-racing Michael Schumacher and the German star publicly recognised this. Mika’s confidence in racing Schumacher wheel-to-wheel was most famously illustrated by a 300kph overtaking manoeuvre during the Belgian Grand Prix in 2000. Today it is regarded as one of the greatest overtaking manoeuvres in F1 history.

In 2000, however, Ferrari produced a very quick car and although Hakkinen won a further four Grands Prix, the World Championship went to Schumacher. Further victories in the British and United States Grands Prix in 2001 demonstrated that Mika’s performances remained at their peak, however he retired from Formula 1 racing at the end of that year.

Mika subsequently competed in the German Touring Car Championship until 2007. Since then he has remained closely involved in Formula 1 through brand ambassadorships and business interests including driver management. In 2022 he joined the Viaplay F1 broadcast team in the nordic region, providing expert insights. He continues to be a familiar presence at Grands Prix and one of the most popular personalities in Formula 1.

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How to book Mika Hakkinen as a keynote speaker

How do I book Mika Hakkinen for a keynote speech?

You can book Mika Hakkinen through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Mika's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Mika Hakkinen's speaking fees?

Mika Hakkinen's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Mika tailored to your event.

What topics does Mika Hakkinen speak about?

Mika Hakkinen speaks on Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Celebrity, Sports. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Mika to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Mika Hakkinen available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Mika Hakkinen for events worldwide, subject to Mika's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Mika Hakkinen deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Mika Hakkinen is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Mika Hakkinen?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Mika can accommodate.

Can Mika Hakkinen tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Mika Hakkinen on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Mika can offer.

What languages does Mika Hakkinen present in?

Mika Hakkinen delivers keynotes in English, Finnish. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Mika Hakkinen a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Mika Hakkinen's areas of expertise include Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Celebrity, Sports. To get a clear sense of Mika's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Mika Hakkinen speak at?

Mika Hakkinen can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Celebrity, Sports is relevant. Details of Mika's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Mika Hakkinen offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Mika Hakkinen is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Mika Hakkinen?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Mika Hakkinen, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Mika's current availability for your dates.