Former Formula One champion Mika Hakkinen and recovering F1 racer Michael Schumacher are considered the greatest rivals in the history of the sport.

They have faced each other in some really tough battles in earlier years and with Schumacher's condition, Hakkinen cannot help but recall one of the greatest memories he shared with the ailing champion.

NBC Sports said Hakkinen recalled the "incredible pass" Schumacher made to secure his win during the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

"My most memorable Belgian Grand Prix was undoubtedly the 2000 race. I had won the world championship in both 1998 and 1999, and in 2000 my McLaren-Mercedes was as quick as ever," Hakkinen said.

"Nonetheless, I arrived at Spa at the head of the world championship standings, and in an optimistic mood. ."My principal rival, as ever, was Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, just two world championship points behind me

He said that the last lap battle with Schumacher is still very clear for him.

"By lap 40 I was on his (Schumacher's) tail. As we sliced our way through Eau Rouge on that lap, we both lifted momentarily, and powered our way towards Les Combes. I thrust the nose of my McLaren-Mercedes alongside his Ferrari, and prepared to brake late," the former F1 champion said.

He, however explained that Schumacher noticed him then cut him at 300km/h.

"His right rear tire touching my left front wing endplate as I lifted so as to back out of the maneuver," added Hakkinen.

After the race, Hakkinen claimed that he was greatly criticised for his loss but said he no longer has a problem with it 15 years on.

"I massively enjoyed my Formula 1 career, and one of its highlights was my ongoing rivalry with Michael. I respected him, and I think he respected me," he said.

"We raced each other hard, but for the most part we also raced each other fairly. He was a terrifically combative competitor, but you could say that about all the great champions."

Schumacher is currently recovering from severe head and brain injuries he sustained from a ski accident in the French Alps last December 2013.

He was placed in induced coma, then was transferred to a Swiss hospital after regaining conciousness.

He finally headed back to his home on Lake Geneva where he is currently recovering, according to Express.

As for Schumacher, there are still no concrete updates on the racer as his family wanted to keep maintain privacy on his condition.

However, Gospel Herald said that his medical expenses have ballooned to around $150,000 per week since a medical team monitors his condition 24-7.