Marcus Thorbjörn Ericsson, born on September 2, 1990, in Kumla, Sweden, is a prominent Swedish professional racing driver known for his tenacity and adaptability in the world of motorsports.
He discovered his passion for racing at the tender age of nine when he began competing in local karting circuits, quickly rising through the ranks with natural talent and relentless determination.
His journey from a young kart enthusiast in Sweden to a celebrated figure in international open-wheel racing embodies the classic underdog story, marked by early championships, a stint in Formula One’s unforgiving spotlight, and a triumphant resurgence in the IndyCar Series.
Today, at 35 years old, Ericsson continues to compete at the elite level for Andretti Global in the NTT IndyCar Series, driving the No. 28 Honda-powered machine, while maintaining a personal life grounded in family support
Siblings
Marcus has a younger brother, Hampus Ericsson, who was born on March 14, 2002, and has carved out his own path in the racing world, much to Marcus’s pride.
Growing up in Kumla under the guidance of their parents, Tomas Ericsson and Kerstin Reinhold, the brothers were immersed in a supportive household that valued perseverance.
Hampus, following in his older brother’s footsteps, entered the competitive arena early, competing in the British F4 Championship in 2017 and 2018, as well as the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship in 2018 with Fortec Motorsport.
His breakout moment came in 2019 when he secured a race victory at Snetterton in the BRDC British Formula 3 series, showcasing the same raw speed and strategic acumen that defined Marcus’s junior career.
Career
Ericsson’s professional trajectory began in earnest in 2007 when, at just 16, he dominated the British Formula BMW championship on his debut, clinching the title with a string of four consecutive victories to close out the season and earning praise from mentors like former IndyCar winner Kenny Bräck, who spotted his potential early.
This success propelled him into the Formula Three realm, where he raced in both British and Japanese series, culminating in a commanding 2009 All-Japan Formula Three Championship win—his fifth victory of the year sealing the deal after a dramatic final-round duel.
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Transitioning to the GP2 Series (now Formula 2) in 2010 with Super Nova Racing, Ericsson notched his first win in his rookie campaign and steadily improved, finishing sixth overall in 2013 with DAMS, which opened doors to Formula One.
His F1 debut came in 2014 with the underfunded Caterham team, where he qualified as high as 17th in Russia but struggled amid mechanical woes and financial turmoil that sidelined the team mid-season.
Signing with Sauber for 2015, Ericsson spent four full seasons there, scoring modest points like an eighth-place finish in Australia in 2015 and a ninth in Monza in 2018, but ultimately parted ways after teammate Charles Leclerc outshone him, ending his F1 tenure with 18 points across 97 starts.
Undeterred, Ericsson pivoted to IndyCar in 2019 with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, enduring a learning curve with a standout second place in Detroit’s second race.
His fortunes soared upon joining Chip Ganassi Racing in 2020, where consistent top-10 finishes built momentum, leading to a breakthrough 2021 season with three podiums, including a runner-up at Road America.
The pinnacle arrived in 2022, vaulting him into the championship lead early on, before a late-season fade to fifth overall.
After moving to Andretti Global in 2024, Ericsson has continued delivering strong results, such as a podium at Texas Motor Speedway in 2023, solidifying his reputation as a versatile veteran who thrives in oval, road, and street course battles.
Accolades
Ericsson’s junior accolades set the tone early: the 2007 British Formula BMW championship title, captured with poise beyond his years, followed by the 2009 All-Japan Formula Three crown, where he outdueled rivals to claim victory in a season of relentless dominance.
Recognizing his burgeoning stardom, the Swedish motorsport community twice bestowed upon him the prestigious Swedish Junior Racer of the Year award in 2007 and 2009, cementing his status as the nation’s brightest prospect.
In Formula One, while points were scarce, Ericsson’s resilience shone through with career-best finishes like ninth at Monza in 2018, contributing to Sauber’s improved haul that year.
However, it was IndyCar where his accolades truly flourished—three race wins by 2023, including the electrifying 2022 Indianapolis 500 triumph under caution, holding off Pato O’Ward in a heart-pounding finale that netted him a staggering $3.1 million from the event’s record $16 million purse.
This victory, making him only the second Swede to conquer “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” after Kenny Bräck, earned him the revered BorgWarner Baby Borg Trophy in a ceremonial nod from BorgWarner in February 2023.
Further highlights include three podiums in 2021, a third-place at Texas in 2023, and a brief stint leading the 2022 IndyCar standings, all culminating in a legacy of five championships across junior series and a net of 21 career victories spanning 370 starts, as chronicled in driver databases.
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