简介：In the 1998 FIA Formula One World Championship, marking the 52nd season of this esteemed motor racing competition, a series of exhilarating races unfurled from March 8th to November 1st, culminating in a total of sixteen thrilling events. The Drivers' Championship was secured by the exceptional Mika Häkkinen, while the Constructors' Championship was bestowed upon the formidable McLaren-Mercedes team.

The season was characterized by a significant reshuffling of the competitive hierarchy, with McLaren-Mercedes standing out as the preeminent constructor. Häkkinen's performance was nothing short of stellar, as he accumulated a commanding lead in the championship. However, a robust mid-season comeback by Michael Schumacher and Ferrari turned the tables, with Schumacher achieving a remarkable hat-trick of victories, followed by additional triumphs in Hungary and Italy. This resulted in the two title contenders, Häkkinen and Schumacher, entering the penultimate round at the Nürburgring with identical points totals. Despite Schumacher securing the pole position and initially appearing to dominate the race, Häkkinen ultimately demonstrated superior pacing and emerged victorious. With Häkkinen's advantageous position heading into the final round, Schumacher was forced to have a car between himself and Häkkinen. Although Schumacher took the pole, he suffered a stall on the grid. He valiantly fought back from the rear of the pack, but his third-place standing culminated in a tire puncture. Consequently, Häkkinen was crowned champion before the checkered flag, securing his eighth victory of the season. Despite this, Ferrari enjoyed a robust season, highlighted by their first 1–2 finish since 1990 in France, with Eddie Irvine holding off Häkkinen to finish second behind Schumacher. Irvine ended the season some distance behind McLaren's second driver, David Coulthard, in the final standings. However, the Constructors' Championship race remained wide open until the final round.

The season was also marked by significant changes in the landscape of Formula One. The withdrawal of the Renault factory and the departure of renowned designer Adrian Newey to McLaren left the Williams team, adorned in an unusually vivid red livery, facing a challenging and ultimately unsuccessful championship defense, alongside reigning Drivers' Champion Jacques Villeneuve. Williams managed to hold onto third place in the Constructors' race, but it was their first winless season since 1988 and the first time in eight years since 1990 that they did not contest for the title. The same was true for the following year, 1999, but they did secure a podium finish in Canada. Benetton also experienced a troubled winless season, although young driver Giancarlo Fisichella shone with a pole position and several podium finishes. Jordan, without points after the halfway mark of the season, appeared destined for a disappointing campaign. However, a remarkable resurgence saw the team capitalize on the chaos of the rain-affected Belgian Grand Prix, with Damon Hill leading teammate Ralf Schumacher to a stunning 1–2 finish. The season also marked the final race for the former champion team Tyrrell, as team patron Ken Tyrrell sold the team to British American Tobacco. Tyrrell concluded the season on a somber note, finishing the year without scoring a single point.