How did Marcus Ericsson become an Indy 500 winner?

Who would have thought that after 4 seasons in Formula 1 et 4 en Indycar, Marcus Ericsson adds one of the most prestigious races in the world to his list of achievements. This Sunday, May 29, the Swede was added to the long list of winners of the Indianapolis 500. Although he was not really one of the favorite drivers to succeed Helio Castroneves, the native of Kumla showed consistency to sign one of the greatest successes of his career.  

RETWEET to congratulate @Ericsson_Marcus on winning the # indy500! pic.twitter.com/6eJt9Dk3VT

— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 29, 2022

In Europe, this success may have surprised some. It must be said that Marcus Ericsson did not leave an indelible place during his time in Formula 1. With 97 starts on the clock, 16 at Caterham and 81 at Sauber, the Swede regularly had to settle for the back of the grid. “ I spent five years in Formula 1, almost a hundred grands prix, most of the time at the back, declared the new winner of the Indianapolis 500. You don't get a lot of credit running from the back in Formula 1. People think you're not very good. » 

Marcus Ericsson participated in 97 Formula 1 Grands Prix. © Photo Florent Gooden / DPPI

After seeing his horizons closed in Formula 1 with the arrival of Antonio Giovinazzi at Sauber, Marcus Ericsson is launching a new challenge and leaving for the United States. I came here, and people probably didn't think about that. I had to make my way here too, learning American-style flying. I moved here, I dedicated my whole life to trying to become an IndyCar champion and especially the Indianapolis 500 “, he explains. An understandable career trajectory given the much more numerous opportunities for victory in a championship where the result does not only depend on the development of the car. 

The trigger for Marcus Ericsson in 2021

It is within Schmidt Peterson Motorsports which became Arrow McLaren SP, that the rookie is making his debut in Indycar in 2019. For his first season, the Swede signs a first podium at the Detroit Grand Prix. He finished the season in 17th place with 290 points. A performance that allowed him to join Chip Ganassi Racing the following year. Within his new team, Marcus Ericsson continues his recovery after his failure at Sauber. “ In F1 it was quite hard not being able to show what you can do. It's hard not to take that when you receive a lot of criticism for your performances,” analyzes Marcus Ericsson. 

Dream big. Work hard. Never give up #ME8 # INDY500 #champion pic.twitter.com/E1iqWhp1m9

- Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) May 31, 2022

The year 2021 marks a turning point in the Swede's career. With newfound confidence, things clicked and he won his first success in the premier single-seater category in Detroit. In the Grand Prix which had already given him his first podium, he ended his drought of victories since the GP2 Series in 2013.  The machine is launched and the Swede wins again in Nashville. “ I feel like last year I got that back and came back to myself in a way, specifies Marcus Ericsson when asked about his loss of confidence. I think this year (2022. Ed.), I was even better than last year. My years in F1 taught me mental strength and hard work »  

Before winning the Indianapolis 500, the Swede put himself in the best position with a podium at the Texas Grand Prix. Enough to lay the foundations for his greatest success of his career. This Sunday, he became the second Swede to win the Indy 500 after Kenny Bräck in 1999 and showed the world his driving skills that he did not have the opportunity to prove in Formula 1.  

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