General
Brown in shock after De Ferran's death: 'The next victory is yours'
- Ludo van Denderen
The unexpected death of Brazilian motorsport legend Gil de Ferran has sent the motorsport world into great shock. The Brazilian, a former Indy500 winner among others, suffered a fatal heart attack in Florida on Friday. Meanwhile, condolences are pouring in via X, including from Zak Brown (CEO McLaren). For the British team, De Ferran was currently an advisor.
Brown wrote on social media: "I am shocked and devastated to hear of the loss of our great friend and teammate. I’ve raced with Gil all over the world and watched him win some of the biggest races. He’s been a great friend for over 20 years and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP Gil. The next win is for you! Godspeed."
I am shocked and devastated to hear of the loss of our great friend and teammate. I’ve raced with Gil all over the world and watched him win some of the biggest races. He’s been a great friend for over 20 years and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest… pic.twitter.com/vJBbnK650F
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) December 30, 2023
Piastri reacts sadly
De Ferran worked as McLaren's sporting director in the past. During 2023, he returned to the team as an advisor. This is also how the Brazilian got to know Oscar Piastri. The Australian said: "It was a pleasure to get to know Gil this year, he will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace."
It was a pleasure to get to know Gil this year, he will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace https://t.co/KxdLEst7pt
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) December 30, 2023
A summary of reactions to Gil de Ferran's sudden death
Former colleagues react to the Brazilian former driver's death on social media. An overview:
My heart sank at the news of Gil de Ferran's death. It's heart-wrenching. Thinking of him now and savoring every conversation. He will be missed by so many. A wonderful man and a dear and loyal friend. pic.twitter.com/aPVXjlKwY7
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) December 30, 2023
Godspeed Champ, fierce competitor and friend, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Zr4SkbcwMg
— Bryan Herta (@BryanHerta) December 30, 2023
Rest in peace to an absolute legend on and off the circuit Gil, I can’t believe what I just read. I just saw you a few weeks ago! Reminds me of how important it is to treasure friendship’s and moments you get with your loved ones. We miss you already.
— Pato O'Ward (@PatricioOWard) December 30, 2023
Que notícia triste Hoje . perdemos um irmão ! Pessoa maravilhosa gente boa d + e uma lenda no nosso automobilismo mundial. Va em paz Gil . Muita força a sua esposa, sua filha , seu filho e toda sua família e amigos. @GdeFerran .
— Felipe Massa (@MassaFelipe19) December 30, 2023
R.I.P Gil De Ferran pic.twitter.com/IUkAMlUpmr
Campeão, amigo, rival, mentor dentro e fora das pistas. Sem palavras para descrever esta perda. Descanse em paz meu amigo.
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) December 30, 2023
Champion, friend, rival, mentor at the track and outside of it. I have no words to describe this loss. May you rest in peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/y8bkgjN49r
One of the nicest guys I ever met. He made me laugh. He got it. Jesus, Gil, you left too soon. My sincere condolences to his lovely family and all who knew him (there are many, many, many) and all at McLaren. He was a fighter and a winner. Big loss. #f1 #Indy #McLaren #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/boV3laminZ
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) December 30, 2023
We remember Gil de Ferran. pic.twitter.com/DDmcBgIj3Z
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) December 30, 2023