The Swede was a stumbling 0.0974 seconds away from victory and a $420,000 (4.5 million kroner) bonus as the first to win the event two years in a row in 21 years.
The American Josef Newgarden won instead. He also receives a record price sum of 3.666 million dollars (closer to 40 million kroner), according to AFP.
This year’s race was marred by several crashes, with a controversial restart with one lap remaining.
— I made a fantastic last restart. I surprised Josef and held the lead into the first. But it wasn’t enough, and it’s clearly hard to swallow, said the Swede after the race to NBC Sports.
Ericsson, who finished second, did not win the lottery entirely, but collects 1.043 million dollars (11.3 million kroner).
Danish Benjamin Pedersen is a name to keep an eye on. The 24-year-old finished 21st and was named Rookie of the Year, earning a total of $265,300 from the race and bonuses.