Gil de Ferrán: Brazilian racing icon and CART legend
Gil de Ferrán, a Brazilian motorsport icon, claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 2003. He passed away this Friday after suffering a heart attack while at the Concours Club circuit in Opa-Locka, Florida, during a day of competition.
De Ferrán set a record in CART, reaching a speed of 241.428 miles per hour (388.54 kilometers per hour) when he led laps at a remarkable pace. On the day of his death he was racing alongside his youngest son, Luke, sharing the track as a family moment and a link between generations in the sport.
Reports from multiple American media outlets indicate that de Ferrán stepped out of his car, expressing a feeling of unwellness. He was transported to a hospital minutes later, but medical teams were unable to reverse the condition that followed. His passing marks a tragic loss for the racing community.
Born in Paris, de Ferrán later became a Brazilian citizen and served as an advisor to the English Formula 1 team McLaren. His path into racing began in British Formula 3, and after moving to the United States he built a career that spanned CART and IndyCar, with seven CART wins and five IndyCar victories between 1995 and 2003.
Across his career, de Ferrán earned two CART championships in 2000 and 2001 and accumulated 50 podium finishes as a Penske driver. Yet his greatest triumph arrived in 2003 at Indianapolis, where he secured a dramatic victory in a race that saw his compatriot and teammate Helio Castroneves join him on the top step of the podium. The finish went down in memory as an epic moment in IndyCar history, with de Ferrán crossing the line ahead amid a fiercely contested run to the checkered flag.
The IndyCar community expressed sorrow at the sudden loss of a two-time champion and respected legend. Acknowledging his impact on the sport, the organization noted de Ferrán’s courage, consistency, and the character he brought to every race. His passing is felt not only by fans but by teammates, competitors, and the broader racing family that he helped shape over the years.
Penske, the team most closely associated with de Ferrán during his years in the United States, remembered him as a gentleman who carried class and integrity both on and off the track. His legacy extends beyond his race results to the relationships he built and the mentorship he offered to younger drivers looking to find their footing in a demanding sport.
Beyond the track, de Ferrán shared his life with his family. He leaves behind his wife, Ángela, and their children, including a daughter named Ana, who has made a name in the music world while remaining connected to the racing circle through family and shared memories of a sport that brought them together. Luke, his youngest son, stood alongside him during competitive moments, illustrating the personal bond that underscored their involvement in racing.
In reflecting on de Ferrán’s career and his enduring influence, observers note the blend of competitive fire, technical insight, and gracious leadership that characterized his presence in American motorsport. His contributions, both as a driver and a mentor, continue to inspire new generations of racers and fans who remember him as a pivotal figure in a transformative era of IndyCar and CART racing.