According to the Associated Press, de Ferran appeared to suffer a heart attack while competing with his son at The Concours Club in Opa-locka, Florida on Friday.
The open-wheel legend began his racing career in British Formula Ford, Opel Lotus and then Formula 3, finishing third in the 1991 British F3 title race behind Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard. He came back stronger in 1992, taking the title for himself with Paul Stewart Racing.
He went on to win three races in FIA Formula 3000 across 1993 and '94, and tested for the Williams and Arrows F1 teams.
Eventually, he made his way to America where he would create a remarkable career for himself. He won back-to-back CART titles in 2000 and 2001. de Ferran earned 12 total race victories between IndyCar/CART in a career spanning from 1995 to 2003.
But his crowning achievement came in 2003. He won the Indianapolis 500 while driving for Roger Penske, beating teammate Helio Castroneves to the finish line. It was his fourth and final start in the 500.
Source: Autosport