The 1999 Monaco Grand Prix saw Michael Schumacher notch a notable record, as he became the most successful Ferrari driver ever with 16 wins.
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The 1999 Monaco Grand Prix saw Michael Schumacher notch a notable record. His win at Monte Carlo saw him become the most successful Ferrari driver in history with 16 wins. In the process, the German driver broke Niki Lauda’s record of 15 wins for the Maranello-based team. Amazingly, he had not yet won a world title with Ferrari – although that would change in the next year. To make things sweeter for the Scuderia, their other driver Eddie Irvine finished second to give Ferrari a 1-2 finish. This saw Ferrari extend their lead in the constructor’s championship by 24 points. It also saw Schumacher extend his lead atop the world driver’s championship by 8 points.
Schumacher came into the race leading the driver’s championship with 16 points. Irvine was behind him with 12 points while defending champion Mika Hakkinen had 10 points.
Also on 10 points were Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Fretzen of Jordan and Ralf Schumacher of Williams.
Saturday qualifying saw Mika Hakkinen claim pole position. However, Michael Schumacher was on second. McLaren driver David Coulthard was third, with Irvine completing the Top 4.
Schumacher was known for making strong starts. Thus, even though Hakkinen was on pole, he had to be careful of Schumacher trying an overtake early on. That, in fact, is exactly what happened.
Start of the Monaco GP as Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) takes the lead into Sainte Devote ahead of Pole man Mika Hakkinen (McLaren-Mercedes). Monte Carlo, 16th May 1999. #F1pic.twitter.com/wOsRMeLuli
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With a clear track in front of him, Schumacher began to build a lead. Eventually Irvine would also surpass Hakkinen and go into – and stay – in second place.
It was a day to forget for McLaren. Not only did Coulthard have to retire, Hakkinen suffered a crash that saw him give up second place to Irvine.
Yet despite Schumacher getting the win here, this would be one of the last real highlights of this season for him.
Hakkinen followed up this race with back-to-back wins in Spain and Canada, with Frentzen winning in France. Schumacher would suffer a broken leg in the British GP, returning only for the final two races.
By that point, he was left to play second fiddle to Irvine as the British driver was in a tussle with Hakkinen for the driver’s championship. However, despite Ferrari’s best efforts it was Hakkinen who be champion again.
Still, no one can take away what Schumacher achieved at Monaco in 1999 – or all that he achieved since.
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