P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The first image that comes to mind of Gil de Ferran is the impressive amount of mischief contained in the corners of his mouth. It’s where that wry smile was formed. He’d see you from afar and one …
The first memory is when we visited McLaren’s Technology Centre in Woking. We were given a tour of their incredible facility and got to see all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building an F1 car. Gil was like a kid in a candy store; his enthusiasm and knowledge were infectious. He was able to ask the engineers all the right questions and truly understand the intricacies of the engineering process. It was a privilege to witness his passion for the sport.
The second memory is from our trip to Italy, where we met with Ferrari. As soon as we entered their headquarters in Maranello, we were greeted by legendary figures like Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali. They treated Gil with the utmost respect and admiration, recognizing him as a fellow racing great. We sat down for a meeting, and Gil’s calm and articulate demeanor commanded the room. He was able to engage everyone in a thoughtful discussion about the future of racing and the potential for collaboration between Ferrari and IndyCar. It was a truly remarkable experience.
Gil de Ferran left a lasting impact on me, both professionally and personally. His intelligence, kindness, and love for the sport were unmatched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, my friend.
