Indy500 winner and McLaren advisor Gil de Ferran (56) died suddenly

The motorsport world is mourning the sudden loss of Gil de Ferran. The Brazilian former driver, winner of the legendary Indy500 in 2003, among others, died suddenly in Florida on Friday. He was currently an advisor to the McLaren team, for which he was previously sporting director.

Fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan told news agency AP that De Ferran was at the Opa-Locka (Florida) circuit with his son Luke when he stopped and said he was not feeling well. Kanaan said De Ferran had apparently had a heart attack and could not be saved.

Via X, McLaren has since expressed sadness for De Ferran's passing. "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 Ferran’s family, friends and loved ones. Gil was an important and integral part of our Racing team. He was a formidable force on and off track and made a lasting impact on everyone racing and working alongside him."

He will be missed by everyone at McLaren Racing.