Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 champion, credits patience as the essential factor in his quest to win the Indy 500 for a second time. Since his debut at the iconic race in 2019, Ericsson’s journey at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been marked by growth, perseverance, and a deepening understanding of the event’s unique challenges.
The Swedish driver, now competing with Andretti Global, has learned that mastering the mental demands of the race is just as important as the physical performance. Ericsson’s reflections on his Indy 500 career highlight the race’s prestige and the significance of maintaining a steady approach throughout the intense month of May preparations.
From Formula 1 to IndyCar: Ericsson’s Path to the Indianapolis 500 Spotlight
Before entering the IndyCar series, Marcus Ericsson competed in Formula 1 with Caterham, racing on challenging circuits such as the streets of Monaco. Transitioning to IndyCar in 2019, he quickly embraced the unique spectacle that the Indianapolis 500 represents to drivers and fans alike.
His initial experience with “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” exposed him to its vast scale and intensity. Ericsson recalls that initial month of May as an eye-opening period, filled with excitement and an overwhelming sense of the race’s magnitude. The celebrations following a victory extend well beyond the event itself, lasting virtually all year and elevating a driver’s status within motorsport.
Ericsson reflected,
“A lot of people say it’s a life-changing thing to win that race. And I would say, it’s true,”
and emphasized the importance of the event by stating,
“It’s the biggest race in the world — especially here in the US. It’s like a Super Bowl, but for racing. So, if you win it, it really sort of puts you on a different level in the racing world, especially here in the US. And you will always be a 500 champion, 500 winner. It sorta raises your status by quite a bit.”
For Ericsson, the victory validated years of sacrifice and effort, capturing the elusive moment by having his face added to the revered Borg-Warner Trophy. He said,
“For me as well, like just personally, all my career, all the sacrifices and all the work that I put in to get to this point and sort of make all that worth it, times a million. Because you win the biggest race in the world, and you get your face on the Borg-Warner Trophy, and all those things.”
Early Struggles and Adaptation to Oval Racing
Ericsson’s first years at the Indianapolis 500 were challenging. His rookie outing in 2019 saw him remain competitive in the top 10 for much of the race but ultimately end prematurely due to a rear tire lock-up and spin. The following year, racing for Chip Ganassi Racing, his day was cut short by contact in Turn 1. However, in 2021, he completed the race for the first time, finishing 11th, and spent portions of the race running as high as second place.
Coming from Europe, where oval racing is rare compared to the United States, Ericsson embraced the challenge of mastering the demanding high-speed oval circuits. His mindset set him apart from some drivers who are hesitant or resistant to oval racing. Instead, he approached it with curiosity and determination to excel.
Speaking about this mindset, Ericsson explained,
“I think my curiosity around it helped me become good at it. So I get that’s the biggest thing. I think some drivers, they come from Europe, then come over here and they’re sort of hesitant about it, and they don’t want to, you know… they wish there [were] no ovals and stuff like that. And I think if you have that mindset, it’s gonna be hard to be really good at it. I came over and I was like, I want to learn. I want to be the best at oval racing. And then, you know, I had that kind of mindset, and I think that’s helped me a lot to to become a really good oval racer.”
Near Back-to-Back Victory and the Sting of Narrow Defeat
Ericsson achieved racing immortality by winning the 2022 Indianapolis 500, solidifying his place among the best oval racers globally. His performance in the 2023 race nearly secured a second consecutive win, but he was edged out by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden in a photo finish decided by a margin of just 0.0974 seconds.
Reflecting on the close loss, Ericsson shared,
“It’s always gonna be a bit of a sting for me thinking about it,”
and added,
“I was so close going back to back and if that race would have been called like it [had been] called for over 100 years, I would be back-to-back champion. But at the same time, you know, that’s, that’s how it goes. This race is unique in its own way. And you know, I’ve accepted that. Whatever happened, happened. If anything, it just made me hungry to try and win again.”
He acknowledged the lingering pain but also noted how the near miss fuels his drive to return to the top.
“It’s always going to be painful to think about how close I was… . It’s not something that keeps me up at night. Probably, like I say, giving me more motivation to try and win it.”
The Vital Role of Patience in Indy 500 Success
Looking ahead to his seventh Indy 500 attempt in the No. 28 Andretti Global Allegra car, Ericsson highlights patience as the cornerstone of his approach. He views the month-long build-up as a test of endurance and focus, emphasizing the importance of pacing oneself to remain competitive until the finish.
He detailed his philosophy, saying,
“I always say that patience is the name of the game. For me, it’s like being patient and working step by step to get yourself to a point where you can fight for the win. And I think that’s what made me successful in ‘22 and ‘23 is having that sort of patience mindset. And I think I’ve been playing that really well this year. So far, we’ve been really taking it step by step and getting better each day, and we have put ourselves in a really good spot now going into race weekend. It’s a tough one. It’s really the most difficult race to win. But I think we have the tool set here.”
Ericsson acknowledges that victory at Indianapolis requires more than just skill and preparation—the race’s outcome often feels as if the speedway itself holds sway over who triumphs. He remarked,
“It’s true. I think, ‘22 was my year. [It] was just meant to be, and I guess ‘23 wasn’t. So hopefully, I get some some good karma from what happened in ‘23 and ‘24 and then it will be my turn again this year. I wouldn’t mind that.”
Looking Forward: Patience and Persistence as Keys to Future Victories
Marcus Ericsson’s journey at the Indianapolis 500 reflects the difficulty and prestige of competing at one of motorsport’s most demanding events. His understanding that patience governs success amid the race’s chaos offers insight into what separates champions from the rest of the field.
With multiple years of experience now behind him, Ericsson’s focus remains on steady improvement, mastering each challenge as it arises, and staying resilient through the race’s unpredictable nature. This mindset not only shaped his 2022 victory but will likely continue to guide his efforts in upcoming Indy 500 contests, keeping him among the most formidable contenders on the grid.
