Japanese Grand Prix 1999 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Mika Häkkinen secured his second World Championship with victory at Suzuka, dominating the Japanese Grand Prix from start to finish. The Finn controlled the race throughout, never giving Eddie Irvine a chance to challenge. Michael Schumacher finished second for Ferrari, while Irvine could only manage third, two points short of stealing the championship.

The championship was decided by Häkkinen's superior consistency and McLaren's reliability advantage throughout the season. Irvine's valiant championship challenge fell just short, though he proved he could lead Ferrari's title bid in Schumacher's absence. The season demonstrated the depth of talent on the grid, with six different race winners and multiple teams capable of competing for victories. Häkkinen's second title confirmed his status among Formula 1's elite, though many wondered whether the result would have been different had Schumacher not broken his leg at Silverstone.