How the F1 grid looked in 2000 including three world champions and eight teams that no longer exist

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Formula 1 has come a long way over the last 25 years. It’s hard to believe that 25 years before 2000 was the year 1975 – before James Hunt had even won his one and only title.

Just one year before Fernando Alonso landed on the grid, 2000 happened to be the year that ex-Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda was born, just to put into perspective how long ago it was.

Michael Schumacher finally achieved his dream of winning a drivers’ championship with Ferrari, and ended a 21-year drought in that regard.

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The Maranello-based outfit would also claim their second straight constructors’ crown, too, confirming that they were the very best that year.

23 drivers were classified in the standings, and the last time any of them were spotted on the grid was in 2017.

The season started in Australia and ended in Malaysia, which happened to be the only time in history that the Sepang circuit would get to host a finale.

READ MORE: David Coulthard believes both McLaren drivers lack one ‘killer’ Michael Schumacher attribute

Michael Schumacher headlined the 2000 Formula 1 grid as just three teams still exist today

The first three races of the season were all won by Schumacher, who had Rubens Barrichello for company at Ferrari. Their rivals, McLaren, had reigning champion Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.

Schumacher’s brother – Ralf, drove for Williams alongside a rookie Jenson Button, who wasn’t yet champion, hence why only three are considered to have been on the grid.

Jordan had Heinz Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli, while Benetton had Giancarlo Fisichella and Alexander Wurz.

Jaguar were the only team hadwho three drivers represent them, with Luciano Burti, Eddie Irvine, and Johnny Herbert. Prost, in their second-to-last campaign, had Jean Alesi and Nick Heidfeld.

Sauber, who are about to transition fully to Audi, had Pedro Diniz and ex-Ferrari fill-in Mika Salo. Minardi had Marc Gene and Gaston Mazzacane.

BAR Honda had Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta for their second season, while Arrows had Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, in their ranks alongside Pedro de la Rosa.

READ MORE: Damon Hill reveals why he turned down the chance to be Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Ferrari

What were the most iconic moments during the 2000 Formula 1 season?

The one moment that stands out most from the on-track action happened at the Belgian Grand Prix between the two title protagonists.

While lapping BAR Honda’s Zonta, Hakkinen attempted a daring move at the end of the Kemmel straight, moving to his inside as Schumacher went around the outside.

He completed the overtake, which looked spectacular on camera, but couldn’t get across the line for a third consecutive title.

Barrichello also earned an emotional first win in Hockenheim, having waited years to step on the top of the podium for the first time.

It wasn’t a classic season by any means, but there were plenty of exciting moments.