“You can imagine what it was like, particular on this race track,” he told Autosport.

“It’s a fabulous race track, so many unbelievable memories, winning a world championship here against Michael Schumacher.

“Of course it feels like yesterday, it’s logical, because it’s such a strong memory.”

Hakkinen admitted that after so many years away the speed of an F1 car – even one from two decades ago – came as a shock to the system.

“The G-forces are so heavy, and you cannot compare it with a road car,” he added.

“What is amazing is that of course the car is so quick, all the common sense that you are thinking, is how is it possible that the cars can have such high performance?

“I feel that the engineers of the McLaren team, when they built that car for me, did a brilliant team work.”

Asked if he ever thought he’d be driving an F1 car aged 50, he said: “No! That’s a really good one.

“I could never imagine, but I tell you what, it’s good to be here.”