Marcus Ericsson recently shared his dream racing grid, imagining a race that includes five of the greatest racing legends, headlined by seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher. The Swedish driver, who competed in Formula 1 during the 2010s, chose this lineup based on his deep admiration for these icons from racing history.
Ericsson, now 34, competed in F1 from 2014 to 2018 before making the switch to IndyCar in 2019. Although he has found more success in the American open-wheel series, his passion for Formula 1 remains strong and clearly shows in his fantasy selection. His first choice was fellow Swede Ronnie Peterson, who remains the most successful F1 driver from Sweden but tragically died after an accident during the 1978 Italian Grand Prix.
Following Peterson, Ericsson included 1976 F1 champion James Hunt in his dream lineup. His third choice was Ayrton Senna, a three-time world champion widely regarded for his exceptional talent. Ericsson highlighted Senna as:
“The biggest raw talent that ever raced in Formula 1.”
Next, he picked Michael Schumacher, who dominated the sport with seven world titles and a record five consecutive championships with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. About Schumacher, Ericsson said:
“Someone I watched a lot growing up and sort of draw my interest into Formula 1 as a kid.”
Rounding out his dream grid was Kimi Räikkönen, a driver Ericsson raced against while on the F1 circuit.
How Michael Schumacher Inspired Ericsson’s Racing Career
While Marcus Ericsson has become a formidable competitor in IndyCar, including a victory at the 2022 Indianapolis 500, his initial racing inspiration traces back to Formula 1. The passion was sparked during childhood moments watching races with his father, particularly impressed by Michael Schumacher’s performances.
Schumacher’s success in the 1990s and early 2000s profoundly influenced Ericsson. Reflecting on this, he told Autoweek in 2020:
“For me, the strongest sort of memory I have from being a kid is watching Formula 1 with my dad and watching Michael Schumacher win in the red Ferrari. For me, Ferrari and Schumacher were always the ones I was looking at and wanting to be. So I would have to say Schumacher was my inspiration as a kid.”
Ericsson’s time in Formula 1 ended after the 2018 season when Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber) did not renew his contract, replacing him with Antonio Giovinazzi in 2019. Subsequently, Ericsson transitioned fully to the United States’ IndyCar series, joining Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and later Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), where he achieved his notable Indy 500 triumph. He currently races for Andretti, competing on the 27-car IndyCar grid.
The Lasting Impact of Ericsson’s Dream Racing Grid
Marcus Ericsson’s dream racing grid not only showcases his reverence for legendary drivers such as Peterson, Hunt, Senna, Schumacher, and Räikkönen but also reflects how his own journey has been shaped by these names. By envisioning a race featuring these icons, Ericsson highlights the blend of raw talent, determination, and history that continues to inspire current racers and fans alike.
Looking forward, Ericsson’s respect for these drivers underscores his own ambition in IndyCar and the broader racing world, where he remains focused and motivated by the legacy of those who came before him.
