Marcus Ericsson, the Andretti Global driver, suffered a terrifying crash during the second practice session at Barber Motorsport Park, just minutes after Pato O’Ward’s earlier incident on the 2.28-mile circuit. The Swedish racer nearly flipped his #28 Andretti Global Honda after losing control on the damp track, which had become slippery during the red flag period. Following the high-speed crash, Ericsson was promptly taken to the medical centre, where he was reported to be stable, providing some relief to worried fans and officials.
Earlier in the session, race stewards had paused action once again to recover O’Ward’s car from Turn 17, leaving the track damp and tricky for drivers when the session resumed. Taking a gamble, Ericsson ventured out on slick tires, aiming for a fast lap despite the challenging conditions. Entering the fast section between Turn 12 and Turn 13, he pushed his Andretti Global Honda hard but lost the rear grip at speeds exceeding 150 mph. This loss of control caused him to slide onto the gravel on the outside of Turn 13, an area notorious for sudden changes in traction.
As Ericsson’s car crossed the gravel and then hit the grass, the vehicle’s left side caught and flipped the car into the air. Fortunately, the car managed to land upright, preventing a more dangerous rollover. However, the crash continued as the #28 car skidded off the track and slammed into the barrier on the other side, impacting rear side first before coming to a stop. The dramatic moment was captured on video and shared by IndyCar on FOX’s official social media accounts, illustrating the severity of the spill and the intensity of racing at the Barber circuit.
Updates soon followed from Andretti Global’s official social media, offering reassurance:
Marcus is okay after the crash.
The team’s tweet, responding to the crash video, hinted at the extensive damage to Ericsson’s car. The vehicle’s underbody bore significant impact from the landing, with both the rear wing and rear suspension sustaining damage during the collision with the barrier. Mechanics were seen working with urgency on the floor and rear of the car after practice, highlighting the scramble to ready the #28 Honda for the upcoming qualifying session.
The crash serves as a shocking reminder of the dangers faced by drivers, especially amidst evolving track conditions. Despite their cautious optimism, the Andretti Global team had arrived at Barber Motorsport Park riding a wave of confidence, boosted by Kyle Kirkwood’s recent victory at Long Beach. Ericsson himself had impressed in the first practice session, topping the timesheets on Friday, May 2. Reflecting on his strong pace earlier, Ericsson posted on Instagram, emphasizing his focus ahead of qualifying despite the setback.
With qualifying just hours away and weather conditions unlikely to improve, Andretti Global faces a daunting challenge to repair the #28 Honda in time. The unpredictable nature of Barber’s damp track, combined with limited preparation, adds an extra layer of tension for the team and fans alike. The crash underscores the fine line drivers tread between pushing limits and disaster in high-speed IndyCar racing, making the upcoming sessions critical for both Marcus Ericsson and his team.
