The NTT INDYCAR SERIES was shocked on Friday evening following the news that 2001 ChampCar World Series champion and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran passed away.
In a statement, Honda Racing Corporation U.S said:
American Honda and Honda Racing Corporation USA extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and many fans of Gil de Ferran, former Honda Indy car champion, world record holder, Indianapolis 500 winner and Acura sports car racing team owner, who passed away today in Florida.
David Salters, President of HRC U.S paid tribute to De Ferran saying:
“All of us at Honda and HRC are deeply saddened by Gil de Ferran’s sudden passing. “Gil was a big part of the Honda racing family and CART heritage. He held a special place in all of our hearts. His accomplishments, championships and race victories on the track are well known. Listening to him recount his closed-course record run at Fontana raised the hair on the back of my neck, and does so once again now. He was an extremely talented man and brilliant racer. He also played multiple, vital roles off-track for Honda over the years.
“But above all, he was a loving husband and father. Our thoughts now are with his wife Angela and children Luke and Anna; as well as the rest of his family, friends and many fans around the world.
de Ferran played an instrumental role in McLaren Racing returning to the Indianapolis 500 with Fernando Alonso in 2017 when he was appointed to the role of Sporting Director working alongside Bob Fernley.
In a statement, Arrow McLaren said:
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.
He will be missed by everyone at McLaren Racing.
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 30, 2023
Ryan Hunter-Reay said:
Gil. One of the very best ever. On and off the track. I can’t say enough about this man, this legend, and his family. First time we ever took our firstborn baby (Ryden) out of the house we met up with the DeFerrans. I could go on.. how he took time to talk to me when I was an…
— Ryan Hunter-Reay (@RyanHunterReay) December 30, 2023
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown tweeted:
I am shocked and devastated to hear of the loss of our great friend and teammate. I’ve raced with Gil all over the world and watched him win some of the biggest races. He’s been a great friend for over 20 years and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest… pic.twitter.com/vJBbnK650F
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) December 30, 2023
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali said:
Stefano Domenicali:
“I am very shocked and deeply saddened by the news that we have lost Gil de Ferran. He was an incredible person and a true champion, and we will all miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.” pic.twitter.com/pCfuTdpxG8
— F1 Media (@F1Media) December 30, 2023
Team Penske released a statement from owner Roger Penske.
We remember Gil de Ferran. pic.twitter.com/DDmcBgIj3Z
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) December 30, 2023
In 2018, de Ferran was named Sporting Director of the McLaren Formula One Team replacing Eric Bouiller who had resigned earlier in the year and earlier this season rejoined the team as a consultant.
de Ferran worked for the Honda Formula One Team as their Sporting Director from 2005 to 2007.
