It was only the next day, on Monday, that the organizer announced the prize money, which meant that there was incorrect information in advance because the money paid out was in a much higher range than expected.
- Indianapolis 500 is the largest race in the world and the drivers give everything to drink the winning milk.
This year's record sum is a reflection of their tireless pursuit of history and the world-class talent they show at every lap, says race leader Roger Penske according to AP.
Ericsson was not directly poor before - but now Marcus Ericsson has another 30 million reasons to rejoice in the victory in the Indianapolis 500 this weekend.
It was worth the victory check and it is the only time since Helio Castroneve's victory in 2009 that the winner has been awarded more than SEK 30 million ($ 3.1 million).
- It is still difficult to take in.
It is the biggest race in the world, it is something we have worked so hard for and that we all dream of, said Marcus Ericsson about the victory at a press conference.
Both the total prize pool of SEK 156 million and the winning money were record highs in the Indy 500 context.
325,000 spectators on site
It was also the first time in three years that the classic race was held for crowded stands,
325,000 spectators, making it the largest audience event after the pandemic.
The victory also meant that Marcus Ericsson took a shot up from eighth to first place in the overall Indycart table.
He himself states that it has been tough to come to the USA from Formula 1 as a driver for one of the worse stables, used to getting far back in the field.
- People probably did not think much of me.
I had to work hard, learn American racing.
I moved here and spent my whole life trying to become an Indycar and Indianapolis 500 champion, he says to Indystar.
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Marcus Ericsson on the Indy 500 victory Photo: Bildbyrån