Formula 1: Win won't tempt Hakkinen to race on

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 United States Grand Prix.

Hakkinen scored the 20th win of his career at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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

"I am not coming back next season," said the McLaren driver, who many believe may never return. "The plan is still to have a break.

"I an just focusing 100% on my driving and trying to take everything out of these last grand prix. I can race with a smile on my face."

Hakkinen triumphed by 12 seconds from Ferrari's world champion Michael Schumacher, despite being demoted two places on the grid to fourth after ignoring a red light at the pit-exit during the morning warm-up.

But the Monaco-based racer, whose only other victory this season was in Britain, gradually moved his way into the lead of the 73-lap race via pit-stop strategy and never came under threat once he moved in front.

"It was very disappointing what happened with the stewards," added Hakkinen. "There is no excuse, but you have to use common sense. It was impossible to see the light with five cars lined-up there.

"But after all the frustration I just went flat out. Its incredible to have won, it's definitely one of the highlights for me. I wanted a British Grand Prix victory in my book and Indianapolis was the other one."