Gil de Ferran has been working as a consultant for the McLaren team and has played a vital role in shaping the team’s career again in 2020 after facing the rock bottom moment of their team’s performance in 2018. In 2020, McLaren secured an impressive third place in the constructors championship.
Nevertheless, a heartbreaking announcement was recently disclosed. Regrettably, Gil de Ferran is no longer with us, and the news was extremely devastating for both Formula One enthusiasts and the McLaren team.
What happened to Gil de Ferran?
Gil de Ferran was the winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500 and the former Sporting Director for both Honda and McLaren in Formula One. The talented individual passed away on Friday by suffering from a heart attack at a private motor racing club in Opa-locka, Florida.
We remember Gil de Ferran. pic.twitter.com/DDmcBgIj3Z
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) December 30, 2023
Shortly after his death, the CBA confirmed that De Ferran did not survive, even though he was immediately taken to the hospital. His contributions to the McLaren team were overwhelming and the entire team is deeply mourning his death. McLaren has stated that it was too soon for De Ferran to leave them, as he was only 56.
McLaren pays homage to Gil de Ferran
The French-Brazilian driver lived an extremely successful and remarkable life, making his family and team proud. In 2020, De Ferran was one of the reasons McLaren flourished in their driving skills profoundly by enjoying third place at the Constructors Championship. There was a huge gap in their performance compared to 2018.
My heart sank at the news of Gil de Ferran's death. It's heart-wrenching. Thinking of him now and savoring every conversation. He will be missed by so many. A wonderful man and a dear and loyal friend. pic.twitter.com/aPVXjlKwY7
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) December 30, 2023
The team has expressed that the loss of De Ferrari is huge for them, but he will always be a legacy for the team. The team stated, “Everyone at McLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened to learn we have lost a beloved member of our McLaren family.
“Gil was an important and integral part of our racing team. He was a formidable force on and off track and made a lasting impact on everyone racing and working alongside him.”
F1 experts such as Felipe Massa have also shared how tragic the news was for the entire paddock by saying, “What sad news today. We lost a brother! Wonderful person and a legend in our motorsport world. Go in peace, Gil.”
Do you think De Ferran could have been saved if he had been taken to the hospital a bit earlier? Let us know in the comment section below.
