Former F1 Champion Alan Jones Passes Away at 80

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

Jones celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday, November 2. He passed away on Wednesday, November 5, as his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, shared in a statement 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.

In 1980, Jones made history as the first Williams driver to win the Formula 1 world championship. This victory was the first of the team's seven drivers’ titles.

Jones had a successful F1 career from 1975 to 1986. He recorded 12 Grand Prix wins from 116 race starts.

He kicked off his F1 career with Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. He achieved his first win with Shadow at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix.

Jones joined Williams in 1978. He finished third in the drivers’ championship the next year before an impressive 1980 season.

That year, Jones won five races and beat Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet to claim the world title.

He became the second Australian to win the Formula 1 drivers’ championship. Jack Brabham was the first, winning it in 1959, 1960, and 1966.

Jones finished third in the 1981 championship. He won the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was his last victory in Formula 1.

After retiring at the end of that season, he briefly came back with Arrows in 1983. He then made a full-time return with the Haas team in 1985 and 1986.

Outside Formula 1, Jones kept racing in touring car and endurance events, mainly in Australia, until 2002. He later became a well-known face on Australian TV as a motorsport commentator and analyst.

Butler-Davis paid tribute to her husband. She said Jones dedicated his life to motorsport, leaving a lasting legacy through his achievements.

“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 deeply missed by his family, friends, and many motorsport fans who supported him throughout his career.