Mika Salo is upset that his trophy is up for auction.

      In the trophy collection of Mika Salo, who competed in Formula 1 from 1994 to 2002, there was a cup for winning the 1999 German Grand Prix. Those familiar with the history of the World Championship and seasoned fans know well that the Finnish driver never stood on the highest step of the podium, although he finished in the top three twice, including in that race held in Hockenheim on August 1, 1999.

      The thing is, that summer Mika replaced the injured Michael Schumacher at Ferrari and started from the fourth position at the German stage, but quickly surged to second place, and after the mandatory pit stops with refueling, he took the lead.

      Moreover, due to problems with the refueling equipment, Mika Hakkinen's pit stop, who was leading from the start, lasted a long 24.3 seconds, allowing Eddie Irvine to move into second place. But then Salo, following team instructions, let his teammate pass, however, after the race, the grateful Irishman gave the winning trophy in the form of a crystal Pegasus to Mika.

      But now this cup is up for auction, which will be held on August 9 by the Finnish company Turenki, and this circumstance upsets the former driver. According to Salo, this happened because at one time he handed the trophy to a collector, thinking that "he needed it more."

      "It's a pity that now the cup is up for auction," Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat quotes Mika. "When I gave it to that collector, I thought it would stay with him. But now there's nothing I can do."

      Now anyone interested and financially capable can acquire this relic, with a starting price of 25,000 euros.

      According to the auction organizers, "The Cup is made by the craftsmen of Waterford Crystal, its height is 48 cm. The Pegasus has no tail. The lot is offered in its original case with a certificate of authenticity signed by Mika Salo."

      The organizers also emphasize that the cup has never been sold before and remained in Salo's possession until January 2026.

      Mika ended his Formula 1 career in 2002 but continued to regularly compete in endurance races until 2014, including winning the "24 Hours of Le Mans" twice in the GT2 category driving a Ferrari F430 sports car for the American team Risi Competizione.

      In 2020, he sold most of his collection of racing gear and trophies at auction, but he did not sell the cup he received from Irvine. Now Salo has made it clear that he does not intend to participate in the auction or attempt to reclaim that tailless Pegasus.