Andrea Stella, the director of McLaren F1, was keen not to forget someone special, who played a role in this year's constructors' world title.
The Italian paid tribute to the late winner of the Indianapolis 500, Gil de Ferran, for the role he played in preparing the team's return to the top.
The Brazilian, a former sporting director at McLaren, died a year ago at the age of 56 after suffering a heart attack during a race in Florida.
“The reason I wear this pin is because Gil de Ferran was the first person I spoke to when the offer to become team manager came,” said the Italian, who joined McLaren from Ferrari in 2015 and took charge in December 2022.
“For his friendship, for his wisdom, for his incredible human qualities, his intelligence and he was a great pilot. For me, it was very clear that everything I was going to build, I would build with Gil.”
“Gil has always been at my side. He was my advisor, my personal consultant and if we have established a culture, if we have created a belief, if we have been able to raise the standards to the required level, it is also because that Gil was part of the process.”
McLaren dedicated its first victory of the season, with Lando Norris in Miami, to de Ferran.
“Gil has always been with us. I wear this pin all the time when I'm at the factory and I had it for the last race, I needed to send a clear message to myself and everyone that Gil was with us throughout the season.”
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