The 1998 Formula 1 season concludes in Japan at the Suzuka circuit on November 1st, with two drivers still vying for the world title. Mika Häkkinen leads with 90 points, but only holds a slim 4-point advantage over Michael Schumacher.

For the Ferrari driver to secure the title, he must either win the race with his Finnish rival finishing no higher than 3rd, or finish 2nd while ensuring that the McLaren-Mercedes driver finishes at least 6th.

Michael secures pole position by completing the 5.864-kilometer circuit in 1 minute 36.293 seconds, achieving an average speed of 219.231 km/h, with Mika just 0.178 seconds behind. During the race, in front of 318,000 spectators, the German sets the fastest lap (on the 19th) with a time of 1 minute 40.190 seconds, but is forced to retire on the 31st lap due to a puncture. Ferrari salvages the situation with Eddie Irvine finishing second, but the title will have to wait, whether for the driver or the team.

Here is an exact and official replica of the helmet worn by Michael Schumacher during this race, replicated at a 1:1 scale. This particular piece, part of a limited edition of 100, is numbered 21 and proudly displays the driver's signature on the visor. It comes presented on a numbered base and enclosed in a plexiglass display case measuring 38x30x30 cm.