Gil de Ferran Dies of Suspected Heart Attack while Racing with His Son
Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and holder of the closed-course land speed record, tragically passed away while racing with his son on Friday at The Concourse Club in Florida. The 56-year-old reportedly pulled over and said he wasn’t feeling well, and fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan confirmed that de Ferran suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
De Ferran’s passing has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with former colleagues and friends expressing their devastation at the loss of the Brazilian icon. Roger Penske, for whom de Ferran won the 2003 Indy 500, said in a statement, “Gil defined class as a driver and as a gentleman. Gil’s passing is a terrible loss and he will be deeply missed.”
Kanaan, who considered de Ferran one of his closest friends, expressed his devastation at the news, describing the loss as a tragic blow. The Brazilian Motorsports Confederation also issued a statement mourning de Ferran’s passing and acknowledging his numerous achievements both on and off the track.
Juan Pablo Montoya, a fellow IndyCar champion, similarly expressed his sadness at the news, calling de Ferran an “amazing guy and great racer,” while McLaren Racing and CEO Zak Brown paid tribute to their beloved teammate, conveying deepest condolences to de Ferran’s family and friends.
De Ferran’s successes in racing were well-known, with a two-time IndyCar championship and a historic win at the 2003 Indy 500 under his belt. His achievements extended beyond the track, as he became a mentor and consultant for McLaren Racing, leaving a lasting impact on the motorsports community.
De Ferran is survived by his wife, Angela, daughter Anna, and son, Luke. The entire family had been posting festive Christmas photos just days before the tragedy struck, leaving fans and colleagues alike in shock and disbelief.
The loss of Gil de Ferran has left a profound void in the world of motorsports, with tributes and memories pouring in from all corners of the racing community. His legacy as a driver and leader in the sport will live on, and his impact will be felt for years to come. Rest in peace, Gil.