McLaren Racing paid tribute to their friend and colleague Gil de Ferran on Saturday afternoon following the Brazilian Racing legends death on Friday.
The 56 year old who won back to back ChampCar titles in 2001 and 2002 and the Indianapolis 500 with Team Penske in 2003 was part of the McLaren Racing family as Sporting Director and spent 2023 working as a consultant for the Formula One Team.
de Ferran was with the team for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge as his dear friend Tony Kanaan made his final Indianapolis 500 start with Arrow McLaren.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said:
“The news of Gil’s passing leaves us devastated. Gil was not only a dear friend but a fearless racer whose passion and determination on the track inspired us all. I’ve raced with Gil all over the world and watched him win some of the biggest races. His time with us here at McLaren Racing has been pivotal in our forward development, particularly this past year and the turnaround of our F1 team’s performance and results. His legacy will continue to shape our team’s future.”
Andrea Stella, F1 Team Principal, McLaren Racing said:
“Gil’s passing has left a profound void in the racing community and here at McLaren. We are shocked and deeply saddened by this loss and will forever be grateful for his invaluable contributions to our team’s success. Gil was a personal friend, a man of unparalleled integrity and an example of how being a tough and competitive racer did not exclude respect and humanity. Gil possessed the most brilliant mind and was a strategic thinker with a unique span of knowledge, driven by curiosity and rigour. His hugely positive impact was felt by everyone who worked alongside him. He will be so sorely missed.”