#8 First podium finish (Japanese Grand Prix)

After impressing in Portugal, Hakkinen entered the Japanese Grand Prix and successfully finished 3rd and claimed his first podium finish in his career.
Senna this time, out-qualified the Finn and earned the 2nd spot on the grid, with Alain Prost winning the pole position. Hakkinen started the race in 3rd place, and his position didn't change throughout the entire race.
This Grand Prix saw yet another battle between two of the greatest drivers, Senna and Prost. The Brazilian successfully overtook Prost and ended up winning the Grand Prix. Hakkinen was impressive enough to not give up his spot and bagged his first podium finish.
Unfortunately, the 2-time World Champion failed to gather any further points, as he retired from the Australian Grand Prix with a brake failure. Hakkinen finished the season 15th on the Drivers' Championship table with 4 points.