Emotional tribute by Alonso to 'mentor': 'A very sad day'

To win the Triple Crown in motorsport, you have to be the best in the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy500. Only Graham Hill managed to win these three events. Fernando Alonso stands at two, missing only the Indy500 (yet). In 2017, the Spaniard led 27 laps at Indianapolis Speedway before his Honda engine failed.

Alonso's strong performance in the famous race was partly due to Gil de Ferran, who died on Friday. On X, Alonso therefore paid an emotional tribute to the Brazilian, who himself won the Indy500 (in 2003): "I am at a loss for words. It's a very sad day. Thank you for the moments we shared, for wholeheartedly teaching me how to race on ovals, and for the countless memories we created together. We will miss you Gil."

I am at a loss for words. It's a very sad day. Thank you for the moments we shared, for wholeheartedly teaching me how to race on ovals, and for the countless memories we created together. We will miss you Gil. pic.twitter.com/8ztGEPFj4Y

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) December 30, 2023

F1 teams react to De Ferran's death

Meanwhile, more and more F1 teams are reacting to the death of McLaren colleague De Ferran. While Williams, Haas, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Sauber and Mercedes have now expressed their condolences, expressions of support from Red Bull Racing, AlphaTauri and Alpine are still missing.

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Gil de Ferran, a huge figure in motorsport, who enjoyed many successes on the track as well as through his leadership roles later in his career in Formula 1. Our thoughts at this very sad time are with his beloved family… pic.twitter.com/LZR7GzSrPC

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) December 30, 2023

Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari is shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of Gil de Ferran who made a significant contribution to our sport.

He was a great racer and competitor and a friend to all who knew him. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and to our…

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 30, 2023

We join the motorsport community in mourning the loss of Gil de Ferran.

The thoughts of everyone at Haas F1 Team go out to his family, friends and Gil’s many fans around the world. https://t.co/YIyiqWgj7N

— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) December 30, 2023

pic.twitter.com/b805xX9lAE

— Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake (@alfaromeostake) December 30, 2023

We’re all sending our love and support to Gil’s family, friends and everyone in the motorsport community that was lucky enough to know and work with him.

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) December 30, 2023

Such sad news. Our heartfelt condolences to Gil’s family, friends and colleagues across the whole motorsport community.

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 30, 2023