Hakkinen adamant over break

Schumacher (l), Hakkinen (c) and Coulthard celebrate

Mika Hakkinen has dismissed any chance of a u-turn over his plan to take a sabbatical from Formula One next season - despite his victory in the US Grand Prix.

The Finn, 33 last Friday, took the 20th win of his career in Indianapolis on Sunday.

But he insisted that, even if he wins the season finale in Japan on Sunday week, he will definitely take next year off.

"I am not coming back next season. The plan is still to have a break," he said.

"I am just focusing 100% on my driving and trying to take everything out of these last two Grands Prix. I can race with a smile on my face."

Hakkinen said justice had been done after he claimed his second victory of the season.

I'm pretty happy for Mika because to some degree justice has probably taken place after what happened

Second-placed
Michael Schumacher

He was demoted from second to fourth on the grid for jumping a red light in the pit lane during the race warm-up, but recovered to take the win.

"I was really upset," he said. "In reality, of course, there is no excuse, but after all there were five cars lined up and it was impossible to see the light.

"The rules are rules but you have to use commonsense."

Hakkinen, who also damaged his car in the warm-up, held off world champion Michael Schumacher and his Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello to win.

"That was definitely one of the highlights of the season," he said.

"This grand prix is definitely one of my most important victories. I rate Monaco, Silverstone and Indianapolis as ones everyone wants to win.

"I am still a bit confused to be honest to experience what has happened today, particularly because of this morning's incident and what happened to me."

World champion Schumacher said Hakkinen had won the race "fair and square."

"I'm pretty happy for him because to some degree justice has probably taken place after what happened to him this morning.

Lightened the mood

"I guess he's going to rethink his decision (to take a year out) after this one."

Schumacher almost quit motor racing after the Grand Prix in Monza two weeks ago, which took place in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

He felt that by racing, the drivers had helped lighten the mood in America.

"If you look at the faces of the people here, you see joy and happiness are coming back.

"It makes us happy, feeling that we are doing the right thing for the people here."