Gil de Ferran, former Indy 500 winner and F1 sporting director, dies aged 56

Gil de Ferran helped lead McLaren’s turnaround in fortunes as the F1 team’s sporting director between 2018 and 2021. Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Tributes have been paid to the former Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran, after his death from a heart attack at the age of 56.

A hugely well-liked and respected driver, De Ferran also enjoyed a successful career in Formula One, working as a sporting director for the BAR/Honda and McLaren teams.