Ex-Formula 1 world champion Jones dies at 80

Jones helped turn Williams into one of the major forces in F1 Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Former Formula 1 world champion, Alan Jones, has died at the age of 80 following a short illness.

Jones, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday, November 2, died on Wednesday, November 5, according to a statement released by his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, through Motorsport Australia on X on Thursday.

“We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on November 5 following a short illness,” his wife said.

Jones made history in 1980 when he became the first Williams driver to win the Formula 1 world championship, securing the first of the team’s seven drivers’ titles.

The Australian enjoyed a successful career in Formula 1 between 1975 and 1986, recording 12 Grand Prix victories from 116 race starts.

He began his F1 career with Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix before claiming his maiden victory with Shadow at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix.

He joined Williams in 1978 and finished third in the drivers’ championship the following year before producing a remarkable 1980 campaign.

Related News

• I’m proud of my Nigerian roots – F3 champion Ugochukwu
• Nigerian-American Ugochukwu claims F3 title
• Nigerian-American teenager Ugochukwu wins Formula 3 title

Jones won five races that season and finished ahead of Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet to claim the world title.

He became the second Australian to win the Formula 1 drivers’ championship, following Jack Brabham, who secured the crown in 1959, 1960 and 1966.

Jones finished third in the 1981 championship, winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which proved to be his final victory in Formula 1.

After retiring at the end of that season, he briefly returned with Arrows in 1983 before making a full-time comeback with the Haas team in 1985 and 1986.

Beyond Formula 1, Jones continued competing in touring car and endurance racing, mainly in Australia, until 2002. He later became a familiar face on Australian television as a motorsport commentator and pundit.

Paying tribute to her husband, Butler-Davis said Jones had dedicated his life to motorsport and left a lasting legacy through his achievements and contributions to the sport.

“Through his achievements, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe,” she said.

She added that he would be dearly missed by his family, friends and the many motorsport fans who supported him throughout his career.