Salo Mika (Finland, 30/11/1966)

Mika Salo (born on 30 November 1966 in Helsinki, Finland) is a former Finnish racing driver who competed in Formula 1 between 1994 and 2002 and is particularly remembered for his spell with Ferrari in 1999.

After progressing through European junior categories and a significant period in Japanese series, Salo reached Formula 1 and made his debut at the 1994 Japanese Grand Prix with Lotus. In subsequent years he raced for Tyrrell and then Arrows, earning a reputation as a solid and reliable driver often operating without top-level machinery.

The most famous moment of his career came in 1999, when he was called up by Ferrari to replace Michael Schumacher following the latter’s injury at Silverstone. In six Grands Prix with the Maranello team, he achieved his two best career results, finishing second twice (Germany and Italy). At Hockenheim he gave up a potential victory under team orders to support Eddie Irvine’s title challenge, nevertheless contributing to Ferrari’s path towards the 1999 Constructors’ Championship.

After his time in red, Salo continued in Formula 1 with Sauber in 2000 and later raced for Toyota in 2002, before ending his World Championship career. Post-F1 he expanded his involvement in endurance and GT racing, including appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, alongside work as a television commentator and analyst.

In terms of institutional involvement, Salo has also served as an FIA driver steward at selected Grands Prix.

In his private life, Salo is the father of two children and remains connected to motorsport mainly through media work and expert appearances.

GP Results

GP/Points Graph

Year	Team	Chassis	Points
2002	Toyota	TF102	2
2000	Sauber	C19	6
1999	Ferrari	F399	10

* World Championships with at least 1 point won (since 2001)

Year	Team	Teammate	Win
2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing (TF102)	McNish A.	16 VS 1
Total			16 VS 1

Grand Prix	Team	Chassis	Pos.
Australian GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	6
Japanese GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	8
Belgian GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	7
German GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	9
Austrian GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	8
Spanish GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	9
Brazilian GP 2002	Panasonic Toyota Racing	TF102	6
Malaysian GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	8
Japanese GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	10
Italian GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	7
Belgian GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	9
Hungarian GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	10
German GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	5
Austrian GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	6
French GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	10
Monaco GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	5
Spanish GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	7
British GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	8
San Marino GP 2000	Red Bull Sauber Petronas	C19	6
Italian GP 1999	Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro	F399	3
Belgian GP 1999	Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro	F399	7
German GP 1999	Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro	F399	2
Austrian GP 1999	Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro	F399	9
Spanish GP 1999	British American Racing	01	8
San Marino GP 1999	British American Racing	01	7

* Grand prix finishes in the top 10 (since 2001)

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