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Gil Was Always With Us”: McLaren’s Stellar Triumph Dedicated to Late Racing Icon Gil de Ferran

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
December 10, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Gil Was Always With Us”: McLaren’s Stellar Triumph Dedicated to Late Racing Icon Gil de Ferran

Kristin Enzor/For indystar McLaren-Honda-Andretti IndyCar driver Fernando Alonso shares a laugh former IndyCar driver Gil de Ferran (left) during practice for the Indianapolis 500 on May 17 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. McLaren-Honda-Andretti IndyCar driver Fernando Alonso (29) shares a laugh former IndyCar driver Gil de Ferran,left, during practice for the Indianapolis 500 Wednesday, May 17, 2017, afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. FILE — “It was never in my plans to do a full IndyCar season, so nothing changed for me," Fernando Alonso told reporters this week in Austin. Inibrd 05 28 2017 Prerun 2 F01220170526img 636306545631297425 I 1 1 7gifr95i L1035529531img 636306545631297425 I 1 1 7gifr95i FILE It was never in my plans to do a full IndyCar season, so nothing changed for me," Fernando Alonso told reporters this week in Austin.

As McLaren celebrated its first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, team principal Andrea Stella made an emotional tribute to the late Gil de Ferran, a racing legend and personal mentor who played a profound role in shaping the team’s success.

A Tribute Worn on His Heart

Speaking to reporters after Lando Norris clinched victory and sealed McLaren’s historic title win, Stella proudly displayed a badge bearing de Ferran’s helmet insignia. The Brazilian, who passed away last year at 56 following a heart attack while racing in Florida, was not just a motorsport icon but also Stella’s trusted advisor.

“The reason why I wear this pin is because Gil de Ferran was the first person I talked to when I was offered the position of team principal,” Stella shared, his voice tinged with emotion. “His friendship, his wisdom, and his unparalleled human qualities guided me. He was a great racer, an extraordinary mind, and an even greater person.”

Building a Legacy Together

Stella, who joined McLaren from Ferrari in 2015 and assumed the team principal role in late 2022, credited de Ferran as an integral part of McLaren’s cultural transformation and recent success.

“To me, it was very clear that whatever I was going to build at McLaren, I was going to build it with Gil,” Stella explained. “He was my advisor, my personal consultant. If we implemented a culture of excellence, created belief, and raised our standards to championship levels, it’s because Gil was part of the process.”

De Ferran’s influence transcended his two IndyCar titles in 2000 and 2001 and his 2003 Indianapolis 500 win. He had also served as McLaren’s sporting director, leaving an indelible mark on the team before his untimely passing.

A Season Dedicated to Gil

McLaren’s first victory of the season, in Norris’s triumphant Miami Grand Prix win, was poignantly dedicated to de Ferran. For Stella, honoring de Ferran’s memory became a personal mission throughout the year.

“I wear this pin every time I’m at the factory,” Stella said. “For the final race, I needed to give a clear message to myself and to everyone that Gil was with us throughout the season. This title belongs to him as much as it does to us.”

A Championship for the Ages

With Norris’s victory at Yas Marina, McLaren finished the season 14 points ahead of Ferrari, completing a remarkable turnaround that few had predicted. For Stella, the triumph was not only about points or trophies but about fulfilling the vision that he and de Ferran had shared.

“Gil’s presence was always felt. He pushed us to be better, to believe in ourselves, and to remember why we race,” Stella concluded. “Today, we honor him—not just with this championship, but with the legacy of what McLaren has become.”

McLaren’s championship-winning season stands as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the lasting impact of Gil de Ferran, a man whose wisdom and spirit continue to guide the team forward.

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