Mika Hakkinen was in town to spread the never drink and drive message to his fans in Malaysia recently and the Flying Finn was spotted at several other events in the Klang Valley.
SCREECHING tyres and a roaring engine intermingled with car fumes as double Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen sped down the main driveway of Sunway Pyramid in the Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Supercar.
Häkkinen, who is also the Johnnie Walker Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, was in Malaysia as part of the brand’s “Join the Pact Never Drink and Drive Campaign.”
Popular: Hakkinen (left) signing autographs for his fans during his appearance at Sunway Pyramid. The Flying Finn acted as the designated driver behind the wheel of the car as part of his efforts to spread the Never Drink and Drive message to his fans in Malaysia and demonstrate the importance of using a designated driver after a night out.
In an interview later, Häkkinen said that his commitment to the campaign has taken him to Latin America and Europe, where he and his team are working hard to underscore its importance.
“It takes more work in some countries but everyone eventually understands the message – that we should never drink and drive.
“If you drink and drive, you may kill someone innocent and you’ll never forgive yourself after that,” he said.
“Hence, it is very important to have a designated driver. A good way is to take turns being a designated driver with your friends. Otherwise, take the cab.”
Making a pledge: (From left) Iking, Chermaine Poo and Reshmonu joining Häkkinen (right) in signing their commitment to Never Drink and Drive. Häkkinen expressed hope that more people would make the commitment to Never Drink and Drive via www.blackcircuit.com.my.
On the experience of being the designated driver in the Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Supercar, Häkkinen said it was very enjoyable for him to have a passenger in the car.
“You can see a person’s true personality the moment they experience the ride as they will have all these crazy emotions coming out.
“It’s like being in a roller coaster and for the passenger, it is a great experience to understand what it is like to be in control,” he said.
The 1998 and 1999 F1 world champion said he would adjust his driving based on his passengers’ comfort level – whether to go flat out or take it easier.
“There was a lady who screamed throughout the entire ride during one of my visits to Europe,” said Hakkinen.
“I was concerned about what she was feeling; it turned out she was extremely happy.
“She even had her hands outstretched during a drive down a long straight road, so that was a very positive experience!”
Several lucky individuals had the opportunity to ride in the sleek black car during the demonstration at Sunway Pyramid, including TV host/ emcee/ model Daphne Iking, Sunway Lagoon CEO Aaron Soo and ESPN sports anchor Lisa Wong.
Iking, who clearly enjoyed herself despite the short spin, said: “As I was the second passenger, Häkkinen was still familiarising himself with the track.
“I nearly couldn’t make it today because of a photoshoot and the weather was looking gloomy but I am glad it all worked out,” she said.
Asked what she enjoyed most, the McLaren supporter and F1 fan said: “Meeting the man, being part of the campaign and seeing and getting into the car.”
Johnnie Walker brand manager Hemanth Jayaraman described the experience of being in the Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Supercar as very close to being in an F1 car.
“It has a very tight space for the passenger as the idea is to observe what the driver is doing with the steering, in addition to driving home the message about responsible drinking,” he said.
The Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Supercar is a high-performance two-seater designed by the team of engineers who built the McLaren F1 road car, and is capable of reaching speeds of over 330km per hour.
The car first revved its engine in October last year during a tour of Latin America.
It made its Asian debut this month, with a three-city tour in Malaysia, Singapore and China.
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