The McLaren team went to Melbourne for the opening round of the 1998 FIA Formula One World Championship and drew a line so deep that it left the rest of the paddock looking into an infinite abyss, while fans sighed with disillusionment at the prospect of a one horse race.

That was until Argentina when Michael Schumacher, a knight in shining red fireproofs, saddled up his prancing stallion and leapt the precipice taking the fight to Mika Hakkinen and McLaren. There began the toughest technical, physical and psychological battle ever witnessed in Formula One history.

As quickly as Mika Hakkinen could pull out a lead, Michael Schumacher reeled him back with sensational drives in Canada and France and strategic drives in Argentina and Hungary, until with two rounds to go, they were even on points.

The Championship went down to the final race in Japan where Mika, McLaren and Mercedes took the honours. But there were no losers, Michaels' gallant season long charge made for awesome viewing and a magnificent year.

The Championship battle inspired and held out attention, but there were other notables including Jordan coming of age when Damon Hill retuned to his winning ways at a wet Spa taking their first victory. Bridgestone not only took their first win but also their first Championship, while young guns Giancarlo Fisichella, Ralf Schumacher and Alexander Wurz left spectators with the impression that the sports future is in exciting hands. In addition to welcoming the new, the 1998 season sadly saw the departure of Ken Tyrrell and Goodyear tyres.