Marcus Ericsson stepped up for his first F1 season in 2014, joining the Caterham squad for his rookie year. The Swedish racer had participated in GP2, with three wins in his four year GP2 career. His first year in the sport was a difficult one, thwarted three races from the end of the season by Caterham going into administration. He was given a reprieve by Sauber for 2015, signed to the Swiss team for his second season in Formula One.

F1 biography

Marcus Ericsson was one of those hopeful racing drivers, karting around the Swedish circuits, when he was spotted by established Le Mans and Champ Car racer Fredrik Ekblom who owned the karting track. Ekblom encouraged the young driver, and talked his father into buying Ericsson’s first kart to earn his racing stripes.

Ekblom helped Marcus make the step up to single seater racing, with the Swede making his debut in the Formula BMW UK series in 2007. He won the title in his first year, allowing him to step up immediately into Formula Three. Racing in both the Japanese and British championships, Ericsson continued to impress, and found his way to GP2. Four years in the feeder series saw him secure a best place sixth finish, with three wins overall.

He participated in Formula One’s Young Driver testing in 2009, and remained a potential candidate for a drive as he gained experience. In late 2013, it was revealed he was in the running for the Caterham drive for the following year, and in mid-January, the team confirmed Ericsson would line up alongside Kamui Kobayashi for the 2014 F1 season.

His best finish was an 11th place in Monaco, which would have been a highlight for the Caterham team, had not their nearest rivals Marussia managed to get into the points at that same race. Caterham went into administration three races from the end of the season, forcing Ericsson to confirm his split from the team. He didn't join them when they returned for Abu Dhabi, but was instead signed to the Sauber team for 2015. After a solid but mediocre year, he was retained for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Learn more about Marcus Ericsson with the Pocket F1 Handbook.