Mourning the F1 World Champion: Alan Jones has died at the age of 80

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 World Champion, has died at the age of 80 following a short illness. “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our beloved Alan,” his wife Amanda said in a statement yesterday, Thursday. “He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by his closest family and by the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.”

“Alan dedicated his life to motor racing and created a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way. Through his successes, his passion and his distinctive character, both on and off the racecourse, Alan has left a lasting mark on the sport both nationally and globally.”

“As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan’s life for the many years of friendship, love and support. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.”

Jones was born in Melbourne on 13 April 1941. He moved to Europe in 1970 and, three years later, joined the GRD Formula 3 team. In 1975, he made his Formula 1 debut in a Hesketh at the Spanish Grand Prix on the Montjuïc circuit. Two years later, he celebrated his first Grand Prix victory at the Österreichring whilst racing for the Shadow team.

In 1980, he won seven races, although the Spanish Grand Prix was later removed from the World Championship standings and the Australian Grand Prix did not count towards the title either. He finished on the podium in ten of the 14 World Championship races and managed to be crowned World Champion with one race remaining. This made him the second Australian, after Jack Brabham, to win the Formula 1 World Championship.

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During his career, which spanned from 1975 to 1986, he claimed 12 Grand Prix victories and 24 podium finishes. After retiring from active racing, he moved into television commentary and captivated viewers with his forthright manner.

Jones is survived by his wife Amanda and his six children: Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma. With deep sympathy for his family, friends and his vast fanbase, we bid farewell to a great racing driver and a wonderful person.