Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion, died on Thursday, 5 November, at the age of 80, three days after his birthday. His wife announced the death in a statement, and Formula 1 paid tribute to the Australian on social media.
The statement was issued on behalf of the driver’s wife, Amanda Butler-Davis. In it, she wrote that the family was greatly saddened to announce the death of her beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November after a short illness. She stressed that he dedicated his life to motorsport and left a legacy that will live on through the people he influenced. The family did not provide further details about the illness.
Formula 1 pays tribute
The official account of the series posted a message of „deep sadness” following the champion’s death. It recalled that Jones made his F1 debut at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with the Hesketh team, and that in 1980 he won the title driving for Williams.
Who was Alan Jones
He was born on 2 November 1946 in Melbourne. His father, Stan, also raced professionally and won the Australian Grand Prix in 1959. Alan moved to Europe in the late 1960s to follow in his footsteps, although he initially lacked the money to pursue a career abroad.
Championship with Williams
In 1980, Jones won five of the season’s fourteen races and became world champion. He was the second Australian to hold the title, after Jack Brabham, and the first Williams driver to become champion; the team achieved this in its fourth season as a constructor. Over his whole career he won 12 Grand Prix. His best years, 1979–1981, brought him 21 podium finishes in 24 races.
After retiring from racing, he remained in the sport as a commentator. From 1987 to 2002 he commentated on F1 races for the Australian broadcaster Channel Nine, and later also worked with Network 10.
Family
Jones is survived by his wife and six children.
