Rookie mistake collects Marcus Ericsson in early crash, knocking 2022 Indy champ out of 500

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Marcus Ericsson’s challenging May ended quickly Sunday afternoon.

The 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2023 runner-up was knocked out of this year’s race before completing an official lap when rookie Tom Blomqvist’s car got too low on the rumble strip coming through the first turn of the first lap, spun up the track and hit Ericsson’s No. 28 Honda.

Pietro Fittipaldi also was knocked out in the crash just moments after a four-hour rain delay ended.

“I can’t believe it, it’s unbelievable,” the Swedish driver said after being checked, cleared and released from the infield medical center. “It’s so frustrating. We were fighting all last weekend. We were fighting so hard, and I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.”

Ericsson’s struggles began May 16 when he made a similar mistake in practice. Andretti Global crew members scrambled to get Ericsson’s No. 28 Honda back for qualifying last weekend.