Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 champion and closed-course land speed record holder, died abruptly on Friday at 56.
Former coworkers told The News Press that De Ferran died at the Concours Club in Florida after his son’s race success. Tony Kanaan, our Brazilian teammate, stated that De Ferran stopped at the private track in Opa-Locka, Florida, and felt sick. He expected his son, Luke, to join him.
Giovanni Guerra, head of the Brazilian Motorsports Confederation, said De Ferran died of a heart attack.
“Gil de Ferran shone on Brazilian and foreign tracks, having as highlights his English Formula 3 title, his two IndyCar championships, and the victory at the Indy 500 in 2003,” Guerra stated on Twitter. “In my name and in the name of our confederation, we pray to God so He welcomes our brother in all glory and comforts his family, friends, and millions of fans all over the world.”
De Ferran’s 2003 win enabled Roger Penske’s third “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” win. Penske has won a record 19 Memorial Day weekend races.
Penske said, “The news of Gil de Ferran’s tragic passing has left us in full shock.” We pray for Angela, Anna, Luke, and the de Ferran family.” A polite and competent racer, Gil won the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Championship.
He was popular and a great friend to the international motorsports community and Team Penske. It is heartbreaking to lose him.”
Kanaan was “devastated” at the Brazilian superstar’s death.
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Kanaan told the AP, “He was one of my closest friends.” We worked together at McLaren after growing up together. “I lost a pretty good friend,” a mentor and supporter, as I started this year. No contentment for me. Gil went in style in a race car. I’d go that way if I could.”
Juan Pablo Montoya, 2000–2015 IndyCar champion, said: “Terrible news. Great guy and racer.” Montoya won the 2015 Penske Indianapolis 500.
McLaren signed the French-born Brazilian back as a consultant in May. He was McLaren’s sports director when Fernando Alonso failed to qualify for the 2019 Indianapolis 500.
The team posted, “Everyone at McLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened to learn we have lost a beloved member of our McLaren family.” We offered our sympathies to Gil de Ferran’s family and friends.
“I am shocked and devastated to hear of the loss of a great friend and teammate,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown, de Ferran’s close friend. I’ve raced with Gil around the world and seen his biggest victories.
“We will mourn and never forget him as a great friend for nearly 20 years. My prayers are with his family. I hope Gil is at peace. You win next time! moved swiftly.
With Penske, De Ferran won Champ Car crowns in 2000 and 2001. He also won the 2003 Indianapolis 500. Finished second in the 2009 American Le Mans Series’ LMP1 class for de Ferran Motorsports.
De Ferran achieved a closed-course land speed record of 241.428 mph during CART qualification at California Speedway in 2000.
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Many drivers, including Marco Andretti, offered their condolences on social media. A photo of de Ferran with the text “My friend.” was the deal. For many reasons, I took F1 tests. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me. Your enthusiasm for our sport was inspiring.”
Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi introduced De Ferran to karting and encouraged him to race in the European ladder system. The next year, he won the British Formula Three title after losing to Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard in 1991.
He placed second in 2003 after winning five IndyCar and seven CART races. He joined the Marlboro-sponsored Team Penske in 2000.
Luke, Anna, and Angela outlast De Ferran. Anna now DJs at Formula One races worldwide, and the family has been posting cheerful Christmas images on Instagram for a week or two.
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