Gil de Ferran, a prominent figure in the world of motorsports, has died at the age of 56.
De Ferran, known for his remarkable achievements including winning the Indianapolis 500 and being a two-time CART champion, died after suffering a heart attack while racing in Florida on Friday, December 29.
Born in France, de Ferran was inspired to race by fellow Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi. He began his career in karting and quickly moved up the European racing ladder. He claimed the British Formula 3 championship in 1992 and finished third in the International Formula 3000 two years later. However, it was in the United States where he truly made his mark. Joining Team Penske with its iconic Marlboro sponsorship in 2000, de Ferran won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 2003 and secured two Champ Car titles at the turn of the millennium.
After his racing career, de Ferran transitioned into management roles in Formula 1, including stints as Sporting Director of BAR-Honda in the mid-2000s and later at McLaren. He was instrumental in advising and assisting Fernando Alonso in adapting to the Indy 500 in 2017, as McLaren re-entered IndyCar racing.
De Ferran’s contribution to motorsports was not just limited to his racing achievements. He was also a key figure in the integration of McLaren staff into the existing Schmidt Peterson structure, which laid the foundation for the team’s current success in IndyCar.
His former team boss, Roger Penske, chairman of the group that now owns IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, praised de Ferran for his class both as a gentleman and a driver. Penske remarked on de Ferran’s significant accomplishments throughout his career and noted his deep impact on the motorsport community.
De Ferran is survived by his wife, Angela, his daughter Anna, who has become a DJ at Formula One races, and his son, Luke. The family had been sharing festive moments together recently, highlighting the close-knit nature of their bond.
Gil de Ferran’s legacy in motorsports is indelible. He was a formidable competitor on the track and a respected figure off it. His untimely passing is a significant loss to the motorsport community, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the sport, both as a driver and in his various management roles.