McLaren F1 advisor and Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran died from a central attack while on a personal circuit with his family.
De Ferran’s friend and fellow Brazilian, Tony Kanaan, said Ferran was running at the Concourse Club in Florida with his son when he stopped running because he wasn’t feeling well, then suffered a seizure in the center and may simply not be resuscitated.
Kanaan later told The Associated Press that “[Ferran] is one of my most productive friends and we grew up together and in recent years we have worked together at McLaren.
“In the beginning of this year he was a mentor, helping me out. I lost a dear friend. I am devastated. I have to say, he went in Gil style, driving a racecar. If I could choose a way to go, that’s what I could do.”
De Ferran won back-to-back CART titles with Penske Racing in 2000 and 2001 before the team moved up to the IndyCar Series where, in 2003, de Ferran led the team to an Indy 500 double two months after breaking from behind. An accident.
“We are extraordinarily saddened to be informed of the tragic passing of Gil de Ferran,” Roger Penske said in the Penske team statement. “Our minds and prayers are with Angela, Anna, Luke and the entire Ferran family. Gil explained elegance as a driving force and as a gentleman. As an INDYCAR champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil has accomplished a lot in his career, on and off the track.
“Gil enjoyed himself through so many people. He is a wonderful friend of Team Penske and the INDYCAR family, as well as the entire foreign automotive community. Gil’s passing is a terrible loss and he will be deeply missed.
De Ferran joined McLaren as a representative earlier this year as part of the team’s restructuring. Prior to that, he served as team principal from 2018 to 2021.
In a team statement, McLaren said it was “deeply shocked and saddened by this sudden and immense loss. Gil’s regular contributions to the world of motorsport and his determination at McLaren Racing will be remembered and cherished forever. “
“The minds of everyone at McLaren Racing are with Gil’s family, friends and loved ones. We hope that the shared memories we all have of Gil will give them some strength in this incredibly difficult time and beyond. “
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown added: “Gil is not only a dear friend, but also a fearless driving force whose hobby and determination on the track encouraged us all. I have raced with Gil around the world and have seen him win some of the biggest races.
“His time with us here at McLaren Racing has been for our development, specifically last year, and to improve the functionality and results of our F1 team. His legacy will continue to shape our team’s long history.
De Ferran was also the co-founder of the electric off-road series, Extreme E, which he created along with Formula E founder, Alejandro Agag.
Formula E founder Alejandro Agag, who also co-founded the Extreme E electric off-road series with de Ferran, said: “I am heartbroken by the news of the passing of my dear friend and Extreme E co-founder, Gil de Ferran. Rest in peace my brother.
“His memories and his legacy will be with us. It is a sad day for the world of motorsport, which has lost a hero. “
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