“RIP Legend”: Christian Horner & Oscar Piastri Join Millions to Mourn the Tragic Death of Indy 500 Winner, Gil de Ferran

Every motorsport driver, before getting into their car, accepts the possibility of not making it out. And yet the adrenaline and love for the sport is so that they do it despite the risk. Gil de Ferran, former IndyCar Champion and Indy 500 winner, tragically passed away earlier today. Christian Horner and Oscar Piastri, along with others, have joined to mourn the passing away of the legend. What are they saying?

Gil de Ferran, an iconic name in motorsports, departed this life on the morning of 30th December at the age of 56. The racing legend was working in an advisory role with the McLaren F1 Team. During his time in IndyCar from 2001 to 2003, de Ferran won a couple of CART championships and also the 2003 Indy500. However, at the end of the 2003 season, he would end his professional racing career at only the age of 35. 

The 56-year-old passed away doing what he loved the most, i.e. racing as he was at a racetrack when the tragedy struck. Gil de Ferran was competing in a race with his son near Miami at the Concours Club in Opa-locka, Florida. It is reported that, while racing, Gil de Ferran suffered a fatal heart attack. He pulled into the pits and told his crew that he wasn’t feeling well. Despite immediate medical attention, De Ferran couldn’t be saved.

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Gil de Ferran’s passing away shocked all of us, as we still cannot believe that he isn’t among us anymore. Christian Horner, Oscar Piastri, the McLaren family, and many more across the globe from the world of motorsports mourned the legend’s untimely death. Let’s see what they had to say. 

“Shocked and Deeply saddened”: The Motorsport community grieves the death of Gil de Ferran 

The whole world of motorsport came together as soon as they heard of de Ferran’s tragic death. The competition and difference between Red Bull’s Christian Horner and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri came together. Mario Andretti, Pato O’Ward, Felipe Massa, and Damon Hill were amongst the ones who grieved de Ferran’s tragic passing away as they took to their social media accounts. Let’s see what they had to say. 

Christian Horner took to his Instagram to express his condolences. He wrote, “Very sad to hear the tragic news that Gil De Ferran has passed away. Having known him since the early 90’s he was a formidable racer culminating in winning the Indycar Championship twice and Indy 500. Most of all he was a charming and caring person who was always fun to be with. He leaves us far too soon and I with everyone at Red Bull Racing send our sincere condolences to his wife Angela and his family.” Many of Horner’s followers also mourned the death as they commented, “R.I.P legend”.

Oscar Piastri, on his Instagram story, wrote, “It was a pleasure to get to know you this year, you will be greatly missed. RIP Gil.” And it wasn’t only the McLaren F1 driver but their IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward and the Indycar Team who tweeted their condolences. 

Even the former McLaren and current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz shared his condolences with the family of Gil de Ferran as he expressed how heartbroken he was after hearing the tragic news.

Many others around the world joined these motorsport personnel to mourn the death. Gil de Ferran will always live in our hearts and will fondly be remembered for his contribution to motorsports. God Speed Legend.

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