Marcus Ericsson makes special announcement is eyeing a 2026 move from IndyCar to endurance racing after ‘mysterious’ issues plagued his tenure at Andretti Global
In a surprising development that has sent ripples through the motorsport world, Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson has revealed plans that could see him transition from full-time IndyCar competition to the demanding realm of endurance racing starting in 2026. The 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner, currently in his third season with Andretti Global, described the decision as a “special announcement” born out of reflection on recent challenges and a desire for new challenges in his career.
Ericsson, aged 35, has been a fixture in the NTT IndyCar Series since 2019, achieving significant success including podium finishes and that memorable Indy 500 victory with Chip Ganassi Racing. His move to Andretti Global ahead of the 2024 season was viewed as a step toward contending for championships with one of the sport’s premier teams. However, the past two years have been marked by frustration, with 2025 proving particularly difficult. Ericsson finished a disappointing 20th in the points standings, managing only two top-10 finishes all season—a fifth in Toronto and a sixth in St. Petersburg.
The campaign was further overshadowed by an equipment violation at the Indianapolis 500, where he was stripped of a second-place finish after leading late in the race, dropping him to an official 32nd position.
The issues at Andretti Global have often been described by Ericsson and observers as “mysterious.” Despite the team’s resources and talent, consistent execution has eluded the squad. Ericsson has spoken openly about technical gremlins, strategic missteps, tire choices gone wrong, and a general lack of race-day performance. “We’ve had so many different things go wrong for us,” he noted in late 2025 discussions. “It’s been technical issues, and then wrong side of strategy… But it’s quite clear, it comes down to race execution.
We’ve just been really bad at execution in the races.” He emphasized that this was puzzling given his historical strength in race craft, a skill that served him well during his Formula 1 tenure and earlier IndyCar years.
The 2025 season saw Andretti Global struggle broadly, with teammates like Kyle Kirkwood showing flashes of brilliance early on but fading later, and Colton Herta underperforming relative to expectations before his shift to other pursuits. The addition of veteran Will Power for 2026, along with renewed sponsorship from Delaware Life on Ericsson’s No. 28 Honda, signaled intent to rebound. Recent tests, including an incident at Phoenix where Ericsson crashed in the final session due to a loose rear end, underscored ongoing efforts to find car feel and confidence.
Ericsson has adopted a “bounce-back” mindset, focusing on results and execution for the upcoming campaign, which he views as pivotal in a contract year.
Yet, amid these preparations for a renewed push in IndyCar, Ericsson’s announcement introduces a potential pivot. He expressed interest in exploring endurance racing opportunities post-2026, pointing to the format’s appeal for its emphasis on strategy, teamwork, and long-haul resilience—elements that contrast with IndyCar’s sprint-style races. This comes shortly after his participation in IMSA events, including an addition to Wayne Taylor Racing’s lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona in early 2026, driving a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 in the GTD class.
That appearance marked his third Rolex 24 start and first in GTD, building on prior prototype experience and hinting at growing affinity for multi-hour competition.
Endurance racing, encompassing series like IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), or even select events such as the Michelin 12 Hour Malaysia at Sepang, offers Ericsson a fresh landscape. The discipline rewards drivers who can maintain consistency over extended stints, manage traffic, and collaborate closely with co-drivers—skills Ericsson honed in F1 and IndyCar but which could shine in prototypes or GT machinery. His experience in high-profile endurance classics like the Rolex 24 positions him well for full-season commitments, potentially in LMP2, GTP, or GTD Pro categories.
The timing of this announcement is notable. With Andretti Global bolstered by Power’s arrival and leadership changes like new team principal Ron Ruzewski, the team appears poised for improvement. Ericsson has praised Power’s technical acumen and the ongoing dialogue between teammates, suggesting optimism for 2026. However, the “mysterious” setbacks have prompted soul-searching. Ericsson’s IndyCar future remains tied to performance this season, but eyeing endurance racing provides an alternative path if results do not align or if he seeks variety after years of oval and road course intensity.
Fans and analysts have mixed reactions. Some see it as a pragmatic move for a driver with proven speed who deserves competitive machinery, while others hope a strong 2026 could keep him in IndyCar long-term. Ericsson’s career arc—from F1 struggles to Indy 500 glory and now this crossroads—highlights the sport’s unpredictability. His announcement underscores a driver’s agency in charting their trajectory, balancing passion, performance, and personal fulfillment.
As the 2026 IndyCar season approaches, starting with St. Petersburg in March, all eyes will be on Ericsson’s No. 28 entry. A resurgence could silence doubters and extend his open-wheel tenure. Should challenges persist, endurance racing beckons as a compelling next chapter—one where the Swede could leverage his experience to chase victories in grueling, prestigious events. For now, Ericsson remains committed to Andretti Global while openly contemplating horizons beyond IndyCar’s demanding calendar. The motorsport community watches eagerly to see which path he ultimately pursues.
