During the final stages of the 109th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, Marcus Ericsson led the race in the No. 28 car for Andretti Global until Alex Palou overtook him just past turn 1 with 13 laps remaining. Although Ericsson initially finished as the runner-up, his result was nullified on Monday when his car, along with two others, failed the post-race technical inspections. This development demoted Ericsson from second place to 31st in the official race standings.
Details of the failed inspections and their consequences
Alongside Ericsson’s car, the No. 27 entry driven by Kyle Kirkwood, also from Andretti Global, and Callum Ilott’s No. 90 car from PREMA Racing failed post-race inspection protocols. Kirkwood’s finish was adjusted from sixth to 31st, while Ilott dropped from 12th to 33rd. Each team received a $100,000 fine, and the respective team managers were handed a one-race suspension for the violations, as confirmed by the IndyCar series on Monday.
Reactions and implications for the race results
Ericsson expressed his disappointment after surrendering the lead to Palou near the end of the race and admitted he expected to replay the moment repeatedly in his mind. He said,
“I gave it everything, and I tried my everything — I tried my best, of course, but I had that lead. If I had been second after that last stop and was running second, then fine. But I had that lead. I had that race. And I lost it.”
—Marcus Ericsson, driver
With the race results revised, David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Enterprises was officially promoted to second place. For Ericsson, falling from runner-up to 31st is a severe setback, but it spares him the greater sting of having a victory revoked. His late-race charge had left him in position to claim the win, but Palou’s decisive pass denied him that opportunity and, ultimately, controversy.
Impact on teams and what lies ahead
The penalties handed down underscore the strict regulatory oversight in IndyCar, where even minor infractions after the checkered flag can dramatically alter race outcomes. Andretti Global, PREMA Racing, and the involved drivers face significant consequences, both in terms of championship points and reputational effects. The suspensions of team managers will also impact the teams in their next race, raising questions about adjustments to strategies and personnel.
This championship reshuffling following the Indianapolis 500 reminds all competitors that race compliance extends well beyond the finish line, and technical inspections remain a pivotal part of ensuring fair competition. As the season progresses, teams will be closely watched to avoid repeat violations and to maintain the integrity of the sport.
