Motorsport world mourns death of De Ferran

The death of Gil de Ferran comes as a shock to the motorsportsworld. The 56-year-old Brazilian died after suffering a heartattack at the Concourse Club in Florida, where he was racing withhis son. De Ferran was a consulting member of McLaren and also heldthe role of sporting director at that team and Honda. Many people,teams and authorities were shocked by the sad news. McLaren In thelatter years of his career, De Ferran played a key role at McLarenas their Sporting Director from 2018 to 2021, and latterly aconsultant at the team. They said in a statement: "Everyone atMcLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of abeloved member of our McLaren family. We extend our heartfeltcondolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Gil de Ferran."Gil was an important part of our racing team. He was a formidableforce on and off the track and made a lasting impact on everyonewho raced and worked with him. The entire team will miss him."https://x.com/McLarenF1/status/1740918971493409188?s=20 Everyone atMcLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened to learn we have losta beloved member of our McLaren family. We send our deepestcondolences to Gil de Ferran’s family, friends and loved ones.pic.twitter.com/vmyKil7I00 — McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 30, 2023Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO, said: "I am veryshocked and deeply saddened by the news that Gil de Ferran haspassed away. He was an incredible person, a true champion and wewill all miss him very much. Our thoughts are with his family atthis sad time." IndyCar Series De Ferran had his greatest successesin IndyCar. The Brazilian became CART champion in 2000 and 2001 andwon the Indy 500 in 2003. The American racing league states it issaddened and wishes his loved ones much strength.https://x.com/IndyCar/status/1740931057598480735?s=20 INDYCAR isdeeply saddened by the passing of two-time series champion andracing legend Gil de Ferran. Our thoughts are with his family,friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Yo3b1FkoV7 — NTT INDYCARSERIES (@IndyCar) December 30, 2023 Roger Penske (PenskeCorporation) De Ferran won the Indy 500 on behalf of Penske. Theowner of the company, Roger Penske, also shared a statement: "Gilis the definition of class as a driver and gentleman. An IndyCarchampion and Indy 500 winner, he accomplished much during hiscareer, on and off the track. "Gil was loved by many and was agreat friend to Penske, the IndyCar family and the motorsportsfamily. Gil's passing is a terrible loss and he will be greatlymissed." https://x.com/IndyCar/status/1740936179808186824?s=20Statement from Penske Corporation chairman Roger Penske on thepassing of Gil de Ferran: pic.twitter.com/ctDh14lvQp — NTT INDYCARSERIES (@IndyCar) December 30, 2023 Zak Brown (CEO McLaren) ZakBrown, who worked closely with De Ferran, said: "I am shocked anddevastated by the loss of our great friend and teammate. I racedwith Gil around the world and saw him win some of the greatestraces. He has been a great friend for over 20 years and we willmiss him greatly and never forget him. My deepest sympathy goes outto his family. RIP Gil. The next victory is yours! Godspeed! "https://x.com/ZBrownCEO/status/1740912734420738387?s=20 I amshocked and devastated to hear of the loss of our great friend andteammate. I’ve raced with Gil all over the world and watched himwin some of the biggest races. He’s been a great friend for over 20years and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest…pic.twitter.com/vJBbnK650F — Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) December 30,2023 Mario Andretti The 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti said:"My heart broke at the news of Gil de Ferran's death. It'sheartbreaking. I think of him now and enjoy every conversation.Many will miss him. A wonderful man, a dear and loyal friend."https://x.com/MarioAndretti/status/1740924777664328188?s=20 Myheart sank at the news of Gil de Ferran's death. It'sheart-wrenching. Thinking of him now and savoring everyconversation. He will be missed by so many. A wonderful man and adear and loyal friend. pic.twitter.com/aPVXjlKwY7 — Mario Andretti(@MarioAndretti) December 30, 2023 Indianapolis Motor Speedway(Indy 500 circuit) J. Douglas Boles, president of the IndianapolisMotor Speedway, said: "Gil de Ferran was an Indy 500 winner whoalways represented the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and ' TheGreatest Spectacle in Racing ' with pure class."https://x.com/IMS/status/1740945956546424983?s=20 “Gil de Ferranwas an Indianapolis 500 winner who has always represented theIndianapolis Motor Speedway and ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’with pure class.” - J. Douglas Boles Godspeed, Racer.https://t.co/PeihdcH9rS — Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS)December 30, 2023