Marcus Ericsson to Wear Custom Hats Designed by Young Patients

IndyCar driver partners with children's hospital to showcase patient artwork on race day hats

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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NTT IndyCar Series driver Marcus Ericsson visited Peyton Manning Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, where he connected with young patient ambassadors who created custom-designed hats for him to wear during selected races this season. The unique hats, featuring artwork inspired by each race, will serve as a symbol of encouragement and community support for Ericsson.

Why it matters

This partnership between Ericsson, the children's hospital, and his sponsor Delaware Life highlights the strong community ties within the IndyCar series and the positive impact that involving young patients can have. It allows the patient ambassadors to share their stories, raise awareness, and inspire others through their creative artwork.

The details

Each patient ambassador contributed unique race-themed artwork to Delaware Life Branded Bills hats that Ericsson will wear at seven race events where Delaware Life sponsors his car. The custom hats showcase art inspired by specific races, serving as a symbol of encouragement for the driver.

  • On Monday, Ericsson visited Peyton Manning Children's Hospital in Indianapolis to kickoff the project.
  • Ericsson will wear the custom hats at seven races this season, including the Streets of St. Petersburg, Phoenix Raceway, Streets of Detroit, World Wide Technology Raceway, Road America, Nashville Superspeedway, and Portland International Raceway.

The players

Marcus Ericsson

An NTT IndyCar Series driver who will wear the custom hats designed by young patient ambassadors during selected races this season.

Peyton Manning Children's Hospital

The Indianapolis-based children's hospital that connected Ericsson with the young patient ambassadors who created the custom hats.

Delaware Life

The sponsor of Ericsson's car that is supporting this initiative to showcase the patient artwork on race day hats.

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What they’re saying

“When this initiative came up, I was super excited to be a part of that. I think the idea of making hats – custom hats – that these kids have made today and (to) see how happy and excited they are about that, I think that's super cool to be a part of.”

— Marcus Ericsson (News 8 Sports)

“It's definitely going to help me get those last couple of tenths of the race car feeling the support from these kids. It's been really fun to be here today and interact with them and get to know them a little bit.”

— Marcus Ericsson (News 8 Sports)

What’s next

The first race where Ericsson will wear the custom hats is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which kicks off the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series this weekend.

The takeaway

This initiative showcases the strong community ties within the IndyCar series and the positive impact that involving young patients can have. By partnering with the children's hospital and allowing the patient ambassadors to share their stories and creativity, Ericsson and his sponsors are using the visibility of the sport to inspire and support those facing health challenges.