Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion, died on Thursday at age 80 after a short illness, his family said.
His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, announced his death in a statement released through Motorsport Australia. He is survived by Butler-Davis and his children, Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.
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Jones was Australia’s second F1 world champion after Jack Brabham, and no Australian has taken the title since. He’s also still the last Australian to win the Australian Grand Prix, which he did at Calder Park in 1980, when the race wasn’t part of the world championship.
Family Shares the Legacy Jones Leaves Behind
He had turned 80 just three days earlier, on Nov. 2. “We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” Butler-Davis said. “He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.
“Alan dedicated his life to motorsport, building a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way. 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.
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“As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan’s journey for the many years of friendship, love and support. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.”
Alan Jones in later years. Image Credit: Motorsport Australia
Jones Defied the Odds to Become F1 Champion From Australia
After his junior years in Australia and Europe, Jones made his F1 debut in 1975 with Hesketh. He won his first race for Shadow in Austria in 1977, then joined Williams in 1978, before the team had won a Grand Prix. He finished third in the 1979 standings before his championship-winning season.
In 1980, he won five races and beat Nelson Piquet to the F1 drivers’ title. He finished third again in 1981, then retired from F1 at the end of that season. He came back for one race with Arrows in 1983 and returned with the new Haas team late in 1985.
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He did a full season in 1986, which was his last. He then switched to the Australian Touring Car Championship, now the Supercars Championship. In 117 F1 entries, he scored 12 wins, 24 podiums and six pole positions. Outside F1, he picked up title wins in the 1978 Can-Am Challenge and 1982 Australian GT Championship.
Williams’ tribute to Alan Jones. Image Credit: Atlassian Williams F1 Team
Williams Pays Homage to Its F1 Champion
“Everyone at Williams is deeply saddened to learn of Alan Jones’ passing,” Williams said in a statement. “Alan was instrumental in making Williams what it is today, forming an extraordinary bond with Frank Williams and Patrick Head to become our first Drivers’ World Champion in just our fourth season in Formula 1.
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“He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast, uncompromising racer with a challenger mentality who loved motor racing and dedicated his life to it. He is a true Australian icon and a Williams legend, and he will be dearly missed. We send our love and thoughts to the Jones family and all his friends.”
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