Here is all you need to know about French motorsport driver Gil de Ferran and his cause of death as he passed away at 56ย
At the age of 56, Gil de Ferran, the holder of the closed-course land speed record and the 2003 Indianapolis 500 champion, passed away on Friday.
Indy 500 driver Gil de Ferran cause of death, bio, age, wife, daughter, career and net worth
Tributes flooded on internet and several Motosport and Formula One teams posted condolences for the two-time CART champion.
Everyone at McLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened to learn we have lost a beloved member of our McLaren family.
We send our deepest condolences to Gil de Ferranโs family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/vmyKil7I00
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 30, 2023
Who is Gil de Ferran?
Gil de Ferran, a French-born Brazilian professional racer and team owner was born on November 11, 1967 in Paris, France.
A look at Gil de Ferran’s career
In a career that lasted from 1995 to 2003, De Ferran won 12 races in total in both IndyCar and CART. While driving for Roger Penske, he won the Indianapolis 500, crossing the finish line ahead of teammate Helio Castroneves. It was his last start in the 500 and his fourth overall.
The racing legend started his career in British Formula Ford, Opel Lotus, and finally, Formula 3, placing third in the British F3 championship race in 1991 behind Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard. In 1992, he returned with greater vigour and won the championship with Paul Stewart Racing.
In 1993 and 1994, he went on to win three races in the FIA Formula 3000 class. He also did testing for the Williams and Arrows F1 teams. He eventually travelled to America, where he established an incredible career for himself. In 2000 and 2001, he won consecutive CART titles.
In addition, De Ferran’s lap of California Speedway in October 2000, at 241.428 mph, set the record for the highest closed circuit qualifying speed ever achieved in a Penske IndyCar.
Talking about his Formula One managerial career, he was hired in 2005 as the Sports Director by the BAR-Honda Formula One team. He became “increasingly uncomfortable” with the team and resigned from this role in July 2007.
After the dismissal of Eric Boullier in July 2018, de Ferran was appointed sports director of McLaren. He departed the group in the beginning of 2021. As part of their restructuring process, McLaren has brought de Ferran back in May 2023 in a consultant advisory capacity.
Gil de Ferran’s wife and children
De Ferran was married to Angela de Ferran. For a considerable amount of time, the racing driver resided in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, along with his spouse and their two kids, Anna and Luke.
Gil de Ferran’s cause of death
On Friday, December 29, 2023, at the age of 56, renowned professional racer Gil de Ferran passed suddenly. According to the Associated Press, Gil had a heart attack while racing with his son Luke at The Concourse Club in Opa-locka, Florida. He had a net worth of $1-5 million.