2023-12-30 21:34:41
Gil de Ferran, two-time Formula Indy champion and winner of the Indianapolis 500, passed away at the age of 56 after suffering a cardiac arrest
On the day that marked one year since Pelé’s death and a decade since Michael Schumacher’s accident, the sporting world was surprised with yet another sad news. Gil de Ferran, two-time Formula Indy champion and winner of the Indianapolis 500, passed away at the age of 56 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Several people and entities expressed themselves on social media regretting what happened.
“Champion, friend, rival, mentor on and off the track. No words to describe this loss. Rest in peace my friend”, wrote Tony Kanaan, along with two photos next to his friend. In 2003, when Ferran won the Indianapolis 500, Kanaan was third place and was next to him on the podium, as was fellow Brazilian Hélio Castro Neves, second place, completing the historic day for Brazilian motorsport.
McLaren, the team in which Gil de Ferran worked as a consultant and has held several management positions, also spoke out. “Everyone at McLaren is shocked and very saddened to learn that we have lost a beloved member of our family. We send our condolences to Gil de Ferran’s family and friends.”
Felipe Massa, former Formula 1 driver and now in Stock Car, was another to pay tribute to his idol. “What sad news. We lost a brother! Wonderful person, really good people and a legend in our world motorsport. Go in peace, Gil. Much strength to his wife, his daughter, his son and all his family and friends,” he wrote.
The tributes went beyond the world of motorsport and reached football, with a message from Palmeiras, the team Ferran supported. “Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras mourns the death, at the age of 56, of former pilot Gil de Ferran. A native of Palmeiras, he made motorsport history by winning the Indianapolis 500, in the USA, and becoming two-time Formula Indy champion. We offer our condolences to family, friends and fans at this time of sadness and longing.”
Ferran suffered a cardiac arrest this Friday while driving alongside his son on the track at the Concours Club, a private club located in the American city of Opa-Locka, Florida, United States. There was no accident, as Ferran fell ill and pulled into the pits in time to be taken to hospital alive, but he did not survive.
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