Hakkinen open to return to racing

Two-time Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen has admitted that he would be open to a return to competitive racing. The Finn said he is interested in a return to motorsport action but his personal and business affairs could block any ambitions he has.

Speaking after driving his title-winning McLaren at Suzuka during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, he admitted that he has thought about a return to racing

“I thought about it quite often actually if I would do some type of racing,” he said.

“To be a brand ambassador for McLaren, I think it would be exciting to do something.

“But honestly, it takes time. It’s a commitment. It takes time from your life, the preparation. I have to admit I’m quite busy with my brand ambassador work, what I’m doing with the company at the moment.

“(I have) five kids at home, that’s not a holiday either! So if I add something in my life more, it just takes time away from the family, or you can sacrifice some work. But it has to be balanced.

“I think it could be quite possible for me quite easily, because I have the (muscles) for driving, I’ve done driving for so many years,” he said.

“I’m also a brand ambassador for Hintsa Performance, so I think they would help me a lot because they’re taking care of many, many Grand Prix drivers in the field.

“All that kind of aspects are in the right place, so it would not be too difficult.

“But of course when you go out there, you want to win. You’re not going to go there for second or third place. You want to win and kick some butt!”

Hakkinen's last competitive race was at the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in 2011 however he has completed multiple demonstration drives since then.