Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Marcus Thorbjörn Ericsson, born on 2 September 1990 in Kumla, Sweden, began his motorsport journey at the age of nine with karting. His talent was soon recognized by former Champ Car driver Kenny Bräck, who saw Ericsson’s potential during a race in Gothenburg. Bräck’s support was pivotal in Ericsson’s move to car racing in 2007, where he made an impressive debut by winning the British Formula BMW title with Fortec Motorsport. His success continued in the British Formula Three Championship and the All-Japan Formula Three Championship, where he won the title in his debut year.
Major Successes and Highlights
Marcus Ericsson’s racing career is marked by significant achievements across various series. His early success in Formula BMW and Formula Three paved the way for his entry into the GP2 Series in 2010, where he claimed his first victory at Valencia. Ericsson’s consistent performance in GP2, including a win at Spa and multiple podium finishes, led to his Formula One debut in 2014 with Caterham F1. Although he didn’t secure any podiums in F1, his perseverance and skill were evident throughout his five-year stint in the sport, culminating in a 17th place finish in the 2018 World Drivers’ Championship with Sauber.
Life and Legacy After Retiring from Racing
After his Formula One career, Ericsson transitioned to the IndyCar Series in 2019, where he continued to demonstrate his racing prowess. His time in IndyCar has been marked by several notable achievements, including his first win at the 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and his victory at the prestigious 2022 Indianapolis 500. Ericsson’s career in IndyCar has been characterized by consistent top-ten finishes and a growing reputation as a skilled and versatile driver. His move to Andretti Autosport for the 2024 season is a testament to his ongoing impact in the world of motorsports.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Caterham F1 Team | Caterham CT05 | Renault | 19th | 0 |
| 2015 | Sauber F1 Team | Sauber C34 | Ferrari | 18th | 9 |
| 2016 | Sauber F1 Team | Sauber C35 | Ferrari | 22nd | 0 |
| 2017 | Sauber F1 Team | Sauber C36 | Ferrari | 20th | 0 |
| 2018 | Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team | Sauber C37 | Ferrari | 17th | 9 |