Overview

• On October 8, 2000, Michael Schumacher won the Japanese Grand Prix to clinch his first Ferrari drivers’ crown by 1.8 seconds over Mika Häkkinen.
• The duel hinged on a second-stop overcut as Schumacher stayed out three extra laps, exploited a lighter fuel load and light rain, and emerged ahead after a flawless Ferrari stop.
• The victory delivered Ferrari’s first drivers’ title since Jody Scheckter in 1979, ending a 21-year drought for the team.
• That success opened a dominant era, with Schumacher winning five consecutive titles for Ferrari and reaching seven world championships in total.
• Retrospectives recall Ross Brawn’s “It’s looking bloody good” radio call, Schumacher’s exuberant celebrations, a 2000 race suit recently auctioned for nearly €100,000, and comparisons to Lewis Hamilton’s challenging first season with Ferrari in 2025.