Marcus Ericsson: From Formula 1 to Indianapolis 500 Champion
Marcus Ericsson has become synonymous with one of the most prestigious weekends in motorsport, particularly in the United States. His journey in racing began over a decade ago as a Formula 1 driver for Caterham, where he made his debut on the twisting streets of Monaco, finishing in 11th place. Since then, his career has taken a dramatic turn, leading him to the Indianapolis 500, a race that has etched his name among the legends of motorsport.
In 2022, after just four attempts at the iconic race, Ericsson became an Indy 500 champion, a feat that placed him alongside some of the most revered names in racing history. His face now adorns the illustrious Borg-Warner Trophy, a symbol of excellence in the sport. In a candid interview, Ericsson reflected on the profound impact that winning the Indianapolis 500 has had on his life and career.
“A lot of people say it’s a life-changing thing to win that race. And I would say, it’s true,” he explained. “It’s the biggest race in the world — especially here in the US. It’s like a Super Bowl, but for racing. So, if you win it, it really sort of puts you on a different level in the racing world, especially here in the US. And you will always be a 500 champion, 500 winner. It kinda raises your status by quite a bit.”
For Ericsson, the victory was not just a career milestone but a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifices. “For me as well, like just personally, all my career, all the sacrifices and all the work that I put in to get to this point made all that worth it, times a million,” he added. “Because you win the biggest race in the world, and you get your face on the Borg-Warner Trophy, and all those things.”
The Road to the Indianapolis 500
Before making the leap to the IndyCar series in 2019, Ericsson was well aware of the unique allure of the Indianapolis 500. However, nothing could prepare him for the overwhelming experience of the month of May, which is dedicated to the race. “I remember my first year in 2019 when I did my first 500. It was such an eye-opener for me to see the magnitude of this race. I was just like, ‘Oh my God, this is so cool.’ And then, when I won it, it was like another level of that. It’s like, how much celebrations and things you got to do. It’s like a year-long celebration, basically, after it.”
Ericsson’s initial attempts at the Indianapolis 500 were not without challenges. In his rookie year, he managed to stay within the top 10 for most of the race. However, a rear lock-up resulted in a spin that ended his day prematurely. His second attempt in 2020, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, saw him finish in 32nd place after a collision on the first lap. It wasn’t until 2021 that he completed the race, finishing 11th and displaying the potential that would later lead to his victory.
Despite facing setbacks, Ericsson’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of oval racing, which is relatively uncommon in European racing circuits, set him apart from many of his counterparts. He embraced the challenge of high-speed racing on ovals, recognizing that it required a different mindset. “It’s interesting. I think it’s a lot about mindset,” he explained. “You know, oval racing is something you never get to experience in Europe. So it’s very different. But for me, it was one of the big reasons I wanted to come to America and IndyCar — to try and race the ovals and race the 500. I was always intrigued by that sort of challenge of driving at those speeds and having no margin for error, and that really comes from driving over 230 miles an hour.”
The Mindset of a Champion
Ericsson’s curiosity about oval racing played a significant role in his success. “I think my curiosity around it helped me become good at it. Some drivers come from Europe, then come over here and are hesitant about it, wishing there were no ovals. I think if you have that mindset, it’s going to be hard to be really good at it. I came over wanting to learn and to be the best at oval racing, and that mindset has helped me a lot.”
His skill was evident when he nearly secured a second consecutive victory at the 2023 Indianapolis 500. In a nail-biting finish, he lost to Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden by a mere 0.0974 seconds. “It’s always going to be a bit of a sting for me thinking about it,” Ericsson shared. “I was so close to going back-to-back, and if that race had been called like it had been for over 100 years, I would be a back-to-back champion. But at the same time, that’s how it goes. This race is unique in its own way, and I’ve accepted that. Whatever happened, happened. If anything, it just made me hungry to try and win again.”
The Importance of Patience
As Ericsson prepares for his seventh Indianapolis 500, he emphasizes the importance of patience in the lead-up to the race. “I sort of have a certain mindset going into the month of May. It’s a long month with a lot of practice and qualifying weekends, and then more practice, and it’s about being there at the end of the race to win it, right?” He believes that successful racing at the Indianapolis 500 involves a step-by-step approach. “I always say that patience is the name of the game. For me, it’s about being patient and working step by step to get yourself to a point where you can fight for the win.”
Ericsson feels that his patient approach has contributed to his success in both 2022 and 2023. “I think I’ve been playing that really well this year. So far, we’ve been really taking it step by step and getting better each day, and we have put ourselves in a really good spot now going into race weekend. It’s a tough one; it’s really the most difficult race to win. But I think we have the tool set here.”
In the world of IndyCar racing, the outcome of the Indianapolis 500 is not solely determined by driver skill or team strategy; it is also influenced by the unpredictable nature of the race. “It’s true. I think 2022 was my year. It was just meant to be, and I guess 2023 wasn’t. So hopefully, I get some good karma from what happened in 2023 and 2024, and then it will be my turn again this year. I wouldn’t mind that.”
Conclusion
Marcus Ericsson’s journey from Formula 1 to IndyCar and ultimately to becoming an Indianapolis 500 champion showcases the determination, adaptability, and passion required to succeed in motorsport. His experiences serve as a testament to the depth of commitment that racing demands and the unique challenges presented by the Indianapolis 500. As he looks forward to future races, his focus on patience and a willingness to learn will undoubtedly continue to shape his career in the competitive world of IndyCar racing. With each race, he not only aims for victory but also for the chance to further solidify his legacy in motorsport history.
