Former Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson (Chip Ganassi Racing) missed another win at the legendary Indianapolis 500 in a thrilling finale.
The Swede had to admit defeat to Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) in the final lap on Sunday. For the American, two-time champion of the IndyCar series, it was the first victory in the Indy 500. Last year, Ericsson had won the highlight of the season.
The 107th edition of the oval classic was particularly turbulent in the final phase, with the race having to be interrupted three times in the last 14 laps due to accidents.
First, the Swede Felix Rosenqvist (Arrow McLaren) hit the barrier at more than 300 km/h and subsequently lost control of his car, which spun across the track at high speed. The American Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti) could no longer avoid it, his car was turned around and raced headlong over the asphalt.
Kirkwood was rescued from the wreck and was able to leave the scene of the accident. It was even more dangerous off the track: a tire from Kirkwood’s car had come loose and was thrown over the high safety fences. He landed there between two of the fully occupied grandstands, but it was initially unclear whether people were in danger there. Apparently the tire hit a parked car.
After the race resumed, Ericsson, Newgarden and Mexican Pato O’Ward fought a three-way battle for the lead. O’Ward flew off, this crash was much less severe than the accident just before. However, the race had to be stopped again with seven laps to go – and again two laps to go after an accident in the rear field.
There was one more flying lap afterwards, the lead changed hands between Ericsson and Newgarden, both drove zig-zag courses on the long straights in order not to give the competitor a slipstream. In the end, Newgarden cheered.