Former sports director of Bar-Honda and McLaren, Gil de Ferran has passed away
Gil de Ferran died on Friday, December 29, at the age of 56. A former Indycar driver, he was also involved with Bar-Honda and McLaren.
Suddenly struck by a heart attack while he was with his son at a Florida racetrack, Gil de Ferran could not be resuscitated by the emergency services.
The Franco-Brazilian had made a name for himself in motorsports by winning the CART championship twice and claiming victory in the legendary Indianapolis 500 race in 2003, with the Penske team. He is still the current holder of the fastest lap in history, achieving a pole position at California Speedway in 2000 with an average speed of 388.537 km/h.
He had a brief stint in endurance racing in the American Le Mans Series, but without much success. After his sports retirement, he remained close to the automotive industry. He held the position of sporting director at Bar-Honda from 2005 to 2007. Prior to that, he held the same role at McLaren from 2018 to 2021.
[I am shocked and devastated to learn of the loss of our great friend and colleague. I have raced with Gil all over the world and witnessed him win some of his greatest races. He was a great friend for over 20 years, and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace, Gil, the next victory will be for you!], reacted Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, who had brought him back as an advisor for the team last May.
