The 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix, initially overturned by Ferrari disqualification, was reinstated on appeal and gave Irvine a four-point championship lead entering the final race.
Key Facts
- Race distance
- 56 laps
- Winner
- Eddie Irvine (Ferrari)
- Championship position (Irvine)
- 4-point lead over Häkkinen after race
- Championship round
- 15th of 1999 season
- Irvine career wins
- 4th and final Formula One win
- Schumacher context
- First race back after leg fracture at 1999 British GP
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Michael Schumacher returned to racing at the new Sepang International Circuit following a leg fracture sustained at the British Grand Prix, with Ferrari needing a strong result to keep Eddie Irvine's Drivers' Championship challenge alive against leader Mika Häkkinen.
Starting from pole, Schumacher yielded position to allow Irvine to win, with Häkkinen finishing third. Both Ferraris were subsequently disqualified on technical grounds, briefly awarding Häkkinen the championship, before Ferrari's appeal successfully reinstated the original results.
The reinstated result gave Irvine a four-point lead over Häkkinen heading into the final race of the season. Despite this, Irvine ultimately failed to claim the Drivers' Championship, and this victory remained his fourth and last in Formula One.