The ceremony was attended by two former Indian Formula 1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
Double Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen The modern building was inaugurated on Thursday Madras International Karting Stadium (MIKA) here on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by India’s two former Formula One drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. In an emotionally charged ceremony, Hakkinen, Formula One champion in 1998 and 1999, and popularly known as the “Flying Finn”, gave an insight into the mind and making of a world champion.
“You have to learn to lose and enjoy winning, and to control your emotions. As you go up the career ladder, the world is completely different. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends and teams. So, you have to be able to deal with the pressure. But it’s all up here,” he said, pointing to his temple.
Hakkinen, on a flying visit to India on the way to the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, was all praise for the Mika track that he believes can produce a generation of talented drivers in India.
“Karting is a great way to start a racing career and this MIKA track offers a wonderful platform for children to take their first steps. I hope they will enjoy their karting experience,” he said. Hakkinen singled out Kush Maini as the next Indian to make it to Formula 1.
“Kush Maini is good. He is doing well in F2. I feel he has what it takes to make it to F1,” he said. Incidentally, the foundation stone of the Madras International Circuit was laid by three-time F1 world champion Jackie Stewart, also known as the ‘Flying Scotsman’.
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