Driver sends sobering message
Published:Sunday | November 7, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor
PRIOR TO his visit last Sunday, Mika Hakkinen said he knew of Jamaica's music and athletes. However, the former two-time Formula One champion was plunged into unfamiliar territory. Its cuisine: jerk sauce.
"When we arrived, we were wondering what it is," said the Finland-born retired racer. "It's quite a spicy stuff."
Hakkinen, 42, was, however, not in the island for its culinary delights but rather on a life-saving mission. He was on a one-day visit to boost support for alcohol company Diageo's 'drink responsibly' campaign, and said he knew of Jamaica as a child.
"As a young kid, I knew of Jamaica mainly for the reggae music. I heard only good things about it. Now I'm finally here, I can only confirm it," he said. "Quite a warm people."
The 1998 and 1999 Formula One champion - who resides in Monte Carlo - said he was very impressed with Jamaica's dominance on the tracks.
"The athletics that comes from a small place like Jamaica is incredible," he said.
Since 2006, Hakkinen has been selected as one of two ambassadors for the Johnnie Walker-led 'Join the Pact' campaign, which encourages persons never to drink and drive. Persons can commit by logging on to www.thepact.com and signing up.
Campaign ambassador
Currently, Britain's Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton, is the other campaign ambassador.
And, so far, more than 750,000 persons have joined the pact.
'Join the Pact' was started in 2008 and is active in Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Miami, Dominican Republic, Spain, Hungary, United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil and Uruguay.
"It (the campaign) does make a difference. I want more and more people joining. It creates awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving," Hakkinen said. "I wish we could connect with more governments and have more visibility, as it is purely to save lives."
Hakkinen, who has driven for both the Lotus and McLaren teams, said since relinquishing driver's seat for "ambassadorial" duties he has had no real regrets. However, he noticed there were some obvious changes in motorsport.
"The sport is growing in publicity globally," he said. "And it seems more intense. When I was there, it was more relaxed."
He was also keen on the growing diversity of participants which Formula One was experiencing with the entry of Lewis Hamilton, who has Caribbean heritage.
Hamilton - labelled the first black driver in Formula One - is the youngest-ever world champion.
"I think it's great ... and drivers coming from all over the world. Maybe you'll have a driver coming from Jamaica. I hope so. It would be really cool," he said.
Fact file
Mika Hakkinen
Active years: 1991-2001
Wins: 20
Podiums: 51
Career points: 20
Pole positions: 26