retirements in the first three races, and managed to finish in the races in San Marino and Spain, albeit outside the points scoring positions. Schumacher suffered from further consecutive retirements in the next two races, and managed to finish 16th in France. He managed to secure his and Jordan's first point of the season with a sixth-place finish at the British Grand Prix, before picking up further consecutive points finishes in the next two races. Schumacher did not score points in Hungary, but managed to secure second place in Belgium behind teammate Hill. Schumacher was issued with team orders to prevent him from overtaking Hill, which caused a strain in the relationship between Schumacher and Jordan. Schumacher managed to take his second consecutive podium with third place in Italy. After this race, it was announced that Schumacher signed a two-year contract to drive for the Williams team, alongside Alessandro Zanardi. Reportedly this came after Michael verbally declared to Eddie Jordan that Ralf would never race for his team again and offering to buy Ralf out of his contract with the team. According to Jordan himself 22 years later, Michael actually paid the money of 2 million GBP to terminate Ralf's contract. He finished the season with consecutive retirements in the final two races. Schumacher clinched 10th place in the Drivers' Championship, with 14 points. Williams (1999–2004) 1999 Schumacher began his season by finishing third in Australia, which was followed up with a fourth-place finish in Brazil. However, he suffered consecutive retirements in the next two races—he spun off in San Marino, and suffered an accident in Monaco. Schumacher was able to take further points in the next two races in Spain, Canada and France. Schumacher took a further podium position with third place in Britain, but retired from the next race in Austria due to a spin. He took further points in the German Grand Prix, before taking a ninth-place finish in Hungary. In Belgium, Schumacher took fifth place helped by a one-stop strategy earning him a better finish. In October, it was announced that Schumacher's contract was extended to a three-year deal worth $31 million. He rounded off the season with a fifth-place finish in Japan. Schumacher finished the season sixth in the Drivers' Championship, with 35 points. 2000 Schumacher continued to drive for Williams in 2000, and was partnered by rookie driver and future World Champion Jenson Button.