Former Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has died aged 80 following a short illness. His family confirmed his passing on Thursday, 5 November, just days after the Australian celebrated his 80th birthday.
Key Highlights
- Former Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones died on 5 November at the age of 80 following a short illness.
- His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, announced his passing on behalf of the family.
- Jones won the 1980 F1 World Drivers' Championship with Williams, becoming the second Australian champion after Sir Jack Brabham.
- He secured 12 Grand Prix victories during his F1 career and continued racing in Australia's V8 Supercars series until 2002.
Family Confirms Alan Jones' Passing
Jones' wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, announced the news in a statement, expressing the family's sadness over the loss of the racing legend. Jones made history by winning the 1980 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship with Williams, becoming only the second Australian to claim the title after Sir Jack Brabham. He remains the last Australian driver to win the F1 world championship.
She said Jones would be dearly missed by his loved ones and remembered fondly by the many fans who had supported him throughout his career. She also highlighted his lifelong dedication to motorsport, describing how his achievements, passion and distinctive personality had left a lasting mark on the sport in Australia and around the world.
The family also extended its gratitude to everyone who had been part of Jones' journey, thanking them for their years of friendship, love and support.
Alan Jones' Journey To Formula 1
Born in Melbourne in 1946, Jones was the son of a racing driver and travelled to Europe to pursue his motorsport ambitions. He made his Formula 1 debut with Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix before securing his first Grand Prix victory with Shadow at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix.
However, his career only began to gain significant momentum after joining Williams in 1978. His breakthrough came in the 1980 season, when he won five world championship races and finished on the podium in every race he completed except one.
His consistent performances helped him secure the championship ahead of Brazilian rival Nelson Piquet, making him the first Williams driver to win the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship.
Return To Racing After His Championship Success
Jones was unable to defend his title in 1981 and subsequently returned to Australia, where he bought a farm. Homesickness and his dislike of the British weather reportedly influenced his decision to leave Formula 1.
However, his retirement did not last long. He made a one-off F1 comeback with Arrows in 1983 before returning to the grid with Haas. Despite struggling with an uncompetitive car, he managed a best finish of fourth before leaving Formula 1 again in 1986.
Beyond F1, Jones also enjoyed success in other racing categories. He won the 1978 Can-Am sportscar championship and finished third in his only IndyCar appearance in 1983. He continued competing in Australia's V8 Supercars series until 2002, when he was 55 years old.
Jones Remained Involved In Motorsport After Retirement
Even after stepping away from competitive racing, Jones remained connected to the sport through television commentary and work as a race steward. He was also known for his outspoken views on modern Formula 1 drivers, whom he criticised as being too corporate and described as "prima donnas". Jones is survived by his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, and his six children.
