Indy 500 winner Ericsson shines in USA: ‘I didn’t get a chance in F1’

Marcus Ericsson won the famous Indianapolis 500 in 2022 and has been a longtime contender for the IndyCar Championship. The Swede looks back on last season with nostalgia and hopes to repeat the success in 2023.

Looking back on that special day on May 29, Chip Ganassi’s driver radiated from ear to ear. “It’s the biggest motorsport event in the world with the most important trophy. I’m proud to stand on that trophy and win,” said Al Suwaidi. Speed ​​Sports.

In the Premier Division, Ericsson’s talent was not outstanding and he had a points oddity here and there with his Alfa Romeo (ex Sauber). But it is different in the United States. “I’ve been trying to show what I can do for a while. In five seasons of Formula 1, it was difficult because I didn’t get the chance to show what I could do because of the kind of cars I drove. When I came to America I went, I achieved success.”

As mentioned, Ericsson won at the Brickyard, but – thanks in part to double points and losing the competition at the Indy 500 – he’s been in contention for the IndyCar Championship for a long time. “I was so close to winning the title. I led the league for a while, but slipped a little bit at the end of the season. I’m disappointed about that.” Ericsson eventually finished sixth in the standings and achieved only two top-ten finishes in the last five meetings, one of which was seventh and ninth.

Aspire to a lot

Erickson also focuses on the near future in conversation. He has an ambitious wish list for 2023. Starting with the Indianapolis 500. “It’s time for someone to win twice in a row and we have a good chance. I have a lot of faith in the team. We’re going to have a strong car.”

Nevertheless, the Swede remains realistic: “It remains a tough match to win,” he witnesses his titanic fight for victory in the absolute final stage. “Anything can happen, but we will do everything we can to defend our victory. In 2023 we will have a strong driver line-up and that feels good.”

But not only during the triumph The greatest scene in racing is the priority. “I have big goals for this year. I’m trying to win the championship and [zoals gezegd] Again the Indy 500. It’s quite a challenge but if you think big, you also achieve more.”