69o Gran Premio Campari d'Italia - 1998
The tifosi made their annual pilgramage to their holiest shrine, Monza, hoping to see Schumacher get his title challenge back on track - hopefully at the expense of Coulthard - the villain of Spa. Qualifying was once again a damp affair and the Italians erupted as Schumacher bagged his first pole of the year on the slowly drying track. Villeneuve was second with the McLarens relegated to the second row.
Schumacher made a mess of his start and the McLarens barged through to take the lead - Villeneuve being forced to take evasive action in the process. Hakkinen was in front for the first seven laps but was having trouble with his car and so moved aside to let Coulthard take the front spot. The Scot ran in front until lap 17 when his engine let go, much to the delight of the tifosi. Hakkinen, blinded by the smoke, faltered and that was enough for Schumacher to take the lead. He began extending his lead as Coulthard made the long walk back to the pits, where in front of the main grandstand he acknowledged the attention from the crowd with a bow!
Hakkinen kept pace with the German and took the lead again when Schumacher hit the pits. It didn't last and when it all settled back down Michael was in front, while Mika was in trouble. A brake problem sent the Finn spinning across the gravel. He was safed by his lightning reaction but his problems left him prey to Eddie Irvine and then Ralf Schumacher. The Finn came home 4th.
Hakkinen's misfortune and some strong driving from Eddie Irvine delivered Ferrari, and the tifosi, their first 1-2 at home for ten years. The race also marked Ferrari's 600th Grand Prix.
Statistics
Summary| Entrants | Qualified | Started | Classified |
| 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
