Formula 1: 5 possible new drivers amid expansion rumors

Formula 1 expansion drivers: No. 5 – Marcus Ericsson

After recently buying a home in Indianapolis, the 2022 Indy 500 champion has seemingly found a home in IndyCar. But Marcus Ericsson has several years of experience as a Formula 1 driver, and that could make him an ideal candidate for a new team looking to make a name for themselves in the series.

In his five years as a Formula 1 driver, Ericsson’s best race finish was just eighth place and he only finished in the top 10 on 11 occasions. But by 2026, Ericsson will have been away from Formula 1 for eight years, and the team he is with at that time could play a big role in bringing him back.

With Romain Grosjean’s recent struggles at Andretti Autosport, there have been more and more questions about his future with the team.

Having not signed a contract extension with Chip Ganassi Racing, Ericsson is seen as the top target of Andretti Autosport, and they have the wallet to make the move intriguing enough for the Swede.

A veteran driver with Formula 1 experience and the cool, calm demeanor of Ericsson could make him the perfect teammate for Colton Herta in the international series.

While nothing is set in stone yet, Formula 1 team expansion appears to be imminent. Whether it’s Andretti and Hitech or another combination of teams, a combination of young talent looking to make their debut and faces familiar to Formula 1 will likely be in the running for the open seats.