Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones dies at age 80

The passing of a champion

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion, died on 5 November 2026 at the age of 80. He passed away three days after celebrating his 80th birthday on Monday following a short illness. His wife Amanda released a statement to Motorsport Australia saying, "We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness." Amanda 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." Through his achievements and unmistakable character, Amanda said he left an "enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe." Jones leaves behind his wife Amanda, with whom he shares twins Zara and Jack, alongside his daughter Camilla, his adopted son Christian, and his children Amber and Emma. He was the last Australian to win the F1 title. He was born in Melbourne on November 2, 1946.

Racing career and stats

Jones began his F1 career at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix driving for Hesketh. He drove for Embassy Hill and Surtees before securing a win at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix for the Shadow team. Four wins in the final six races of 1977 propelled him to third in the drivers’ standings, though the Ferraris of Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve stayed ahead. This performance and a third place at the 1977 Italian Grand Prix earned him a move to Williams for 1978. He helped Frank Williams and Patrick Head gain momentum at the team, and he won the CAN-AM sportscar championship in 1978 with five wins, a second, and a third from nine races. Although he won his first race for Williams at the 1979 German Grand Prix, Clay Regazzoni beat Williams to its first win at Silverstone. The 1980 world champion won four races and earned five podium finishes during a season that saw him become the first Australian since Jack Brabham in 1966 to secure the title. This victory also gave Williams its first world championship. After winning the season-finale in Las Vegas, Jones stepped away from F1, only to be enticed back in 1983 for a one-off appearance before being tempted back full-time with the Haas team.

Jones earned his MBE for services to motor racing in 1980. He later worked as an FIA event steward and served as team director for the Australian F1 Grand Prix effort. In 2005, he competed in Grand Prix Masters. His television career included punditry and commentary on Australian networks, sometimes working with motorcycle champion Barry Sheene. He also continued racing in sportscars and the Australian Touring Car Championship after his F1 retirement.

Jones left F1 to win the Australian Sports Sedan and GT Championship by sweeping all nine rounds after finishing third in the 1981 championship behind Nelson Piquet. He returned to F1 with a one-off appearance for Arrows in 1983 and later joined the Haas team full-time in 1985. Retirements blighted his season-and-a-half with the Haas team, leaving him with only fourth and fifth place finishes as his best results. He ended his career following the 1986 Australian Grand Prix, just days before his 40th birthday.