Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula One world champion, has died aged 80, leading to a string of tributes from across the sport.
Jones won 12 F1 grands prix across his career and became just the second Australian, after Sir Jack Brabham, to be crowned world champion when he claimed the title with Williams in 1980.
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Jones turned 80 on Monday.
In a statement, Williams said: “Everyone at Williams is deeply saddened to learn of Alan Jones’ passing.
“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.
“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.”
Born in Melbourne, Jones moved to Europe in 1970 to chase his motor racing dream and joined Formula 3 outfit GRD in 1973 before finally breaking through for a F1 debut with Hesketh in 1975.
He claimed his first F1 win in the Austrian GP in 1977 when driving for the Shadow team before he joined Williams in 1978 and found greater success behind the wheel.
Jones won five grands prix in 1980 – in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States – and finished on the podium five more times to claim the world title with one race remaining.
He retired from racing in 1986 and remains the last Australian to be crowned F1 world champion.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the Australian left a lasting impression on him.
“The first race I ever attended was the 1981 Long Beach Grand Prix – a spectacular race that Alan went on to win,” Brown wrote on social media.
“That experience kick-started my lifelong love for racing and F1, and it has stayed with me to this day. I feel incredibly proud to own Alan’s championship race car. Thank you, Alan, for the inspiration.”
Jones’s wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, released a statement through Motorsport Australia on Thursday.
“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.
“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.”
Jones built a successful TV career as a motorsport commentator and was renowned for his straight-talking analysis.
He is a member of the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame and was made an MBE. Jones and his father Stan are among only three father-sons to have won the Australian Grand Prix.
In a tribute, the Australian Grand Prix said Jones “holds a special place in the history of our sport”.
“His 1980 world championship inspired a generation of Australian motorsport fans,” it said in a statement. “His victory at the Australian Grand Prix that same year remains the last time an Australian driver has won their home grand prix.
“He leaves an extraordinary legacy in Australian motorsport and will be deeply missed by the motorsport community around the world.”
Jones was previously married to Beverley. He is survived by Amanda and six children – Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.
