Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Andretti Global IndyCar driver Marcus Ericsson was sick after leading the Indy 500 with just 14 laps to go only to get passed by eventual winner Alex Palou and having to settle for second place. It was the second time that Ericsson had finished in second place in the biggest race on the planet after winning it in 2022. In his other second place finish, he was overtaken by Josef Newgarden on the final lap.
However, that sadness was nothing compared to what happened next. Following Sunday’s Indy 500, drivers Kyle Kirkwood, Callum Ilott and, yup, Marcus Ericsson were all disqualified for technical violations.
Those violations, Kirkwood, who also drove an Andretti Global car in the race, and Ericsson had illegal modifications to the Energy Management System (EMS) covers and cover-to-A-arm mounting points with unapproved spacers and parts, ended up moving Ericsson to 31st place, cost his team a $100,000 fine, and a one-race suspension for their team managers. It also cost the team around $400,000 in prize money – the difference between finishing in second place and finishing in 31st.
Kirkwood, who finished the race in sixth-place, also suffered the same penalties and was scored in 32nd place after the penalty. The third driver to be disqualified, Callum Ilott of Prema Racing, also received the same penalties for a front wing endplate that did not meet minimum height after finishing 12th. He ended up being scored in 33rd, or dead last, in the race as a result.
Prema Racing accepted their penalty shortly after it was assessed, despite claiming that the violation “didn’t lead to any performance gain.” Andretti Global, however, had been suspiciously silent. Until now.
Initially, Andretti stated that it would be “taking the necessary time to assess the information and we will be requesting a full review with IndyCar.”
Apparently the team has completed that assessment and review and on Friday morning Andretti issued a statement accepting the penalties.
“After careful analysis with IndyCar surrounding the Indianapolis 500 post-race technical violations and penalties on the nos. 27 and 28 cars, we accept the penalties issued and will not pursue further review,” a statement read.
“While we are disappointed in the outcome, we will take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance moving forward and want to thank our fans, crew, and sponsors who continue to support us. Our focus now shifts to the future and delivering strong, competitive results on track – beginning this weekend with the Detroit Grand Prix.”