de Ferran: Former McLaren F1 boss pays tribute after death as he races with son

Gil

Gil de Ferran, winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500, died Friday at the age of 56 while racing with his beloved son Luke at the Concourse Club in Opa-locka, Florida.

Gilles de Ferran was McLaren’s sporting director for almost three years.

Former McLaren sporting director and Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran died of a heart attack on Friday while racing with his son.
De Ferran, 56, and his son Luke raced at the private course at the Concourse Club in Opa Locka, Fla., before the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner fell ill. 2013 champion Tony Kanaan later confirmed that De Ferran had suffered a heart attack and was unable to return.
The former French-Brazilian driver, who is survived by his wife Angela and their two children, Anna and Luc, was McLaren’s sporting director from July 2018 until early 2021 and has taken on an advisory role as part of a restructuring earlier this year. team. . trial. McLaren CEO Jack Brown wrote on the social media platform: “I am shocked and devastated by the loss of our good friend and colleague.

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“I raced Gil all over the world and saw him win some of the biggest races. He was a great friend for over 20 years and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Condolences to the family. road. The next victory is yours! May God bless you.”

Paris-born de Ferran also released a statement paying heartfelt tribute to Penske team owner Roger Pens, who won the Indy 500 20 years ago. “We were very saddened to learn of the tragic death of Gilles de Ferran,” he began. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angela, Anna, Luca and the entire de Ferran family. “The road defined the classes as drivers and gentlemen. As an IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil has accomplished many things in his career. He was loved by many and a great friend to the Team Penske family and the entire international motorsports community. “It’s a sad loss and he will be sorely missed.”

Canaan, a fellow Brazilian, told The Associated Press he was “completely shocked” to hear the tragic news. “He was one of my best friends, we grew up together and more recently we worked together at McLaren,” said the 48-year-old.
“He was a mentor who helped me at the beginning of this year. I lost a dear friend. I was depressed. Needless to say, I drove the race car Gil’s style. If I could choose my path, I would.”

Kanaan wrote on Instagram: “A champion, friend, rival and mentor on and off the track. I cannot describe this loss in words. Rest in peace my friend.”

Current Indy Car driver Marco Andretti also paid tribute: “My friend. It’s one of the real ones. One of the reasons I tested F1. I loved your passion and love for our sport. Thank you for your contribution to my life.”

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