Hakkinen: It's the right time to stop

Mika Hakkinen says he quit Formula One because he had already achieved enough in his career.

The double world champion made the announcement via a video-taped message ahead of the German Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver won 20 Grand Prix from 161 starts during his 11 years in motor sport's premier series.

Hakkinen said: "At the Monaco Grand Prix in 2001, I informed Ron (Dennis) that I wanted to stop, but he wanted to make sure that I made the right decision and gave me the opportunity to take a sabbatical.

"Once I had spoken with Ron a huge weight came off my shoulders. I really enjoyed the rest of the season and was able to win at Silverstone and Indianapolis.

"At this year's Monaco Grand Prix I wasn't sure how I was going to feel, but the visit made it clear to me that I had made the right decision and I told Ron I was going to retire.

"I have been through so much in my Formula One career and achieved a lot. I just didn't think it was worth it to push things any further. I want to spend time with my family and see Hugo (his son) growing up."

Team boss Dennis could understand Hakkinen's decisions and said: "I want to thank him for everything he has done and achieved for the team during his nine-year career with McLaren.

"I know it's not been an easy decision for him to make, and the team and myself want to wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Moments earlier, Dennis confirmed David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen as the team's driver line-up for next season while test driver Alexander Wurz has also been retained.