Former F1 World Champion Alan Jones Dies at 80
Alan Jones, the former Formula 1 world champion and a legendary figure in Australian motorsport, has died at age 80 following a short illness. His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, confirmed the passing of the driver, who only days earlier had celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday, according to reports from Kurier. Jones died on Thursday.
Jones remains the second Australian to capture the Formula 1 drivers’ title, a feat he achieved with the Williams team in 1980. Prior to his success, only Jack Brabham, who triumphed in 1959, 1960, and 1966, had managed to secure the overall victory in the premier class for Australia. His career, which spanned from 1975 to 1986, saw him secure 12 Grand Prix victories. As noted by the Australian Grand Prix, Jones occupies a unique position in the sport’s history, as his 1980 title inspired a generation of Australian motorsport fans.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Jones. A true Williams legend, Alan formed an extraordinary bond with Frank Williams and Patrick Head and made history by winning our first Drivers’ World Championship in 1980. He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast,… pic.twitter.com/fUj3aoEfNs
A Career Defined by the Williams Title
The path to the 1980 championship began with Jones’s entry into the sport in 1975 with the Hesketh team. He subsequently drove for Graham Hill and Surtees before joining Shadow in 1977. It was during that 1977 season that Jones recorded his career breakthrough, claiming his first Grand Prix win at the Österreichring in Spielberg, Austria. In total, he secured two of his career victories in Austria.
The pinnacle of his career arrived following his move to Williams. Jones became the first pilot to secure a world championship for the British-based team. During his championship season, he dominated the grid with five victories, including wins in Argentina, France, Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. His final victory occurred at the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas in 1981, the year he initially retired from the sport before making sporadic returns over the following years. He drove his final Formula 1 race in 1986.
Legacy Beyond the Track
Following his retirement from active racing in 1986, Jones remained a prominent voice in the industry, working for many years as a Formula 1 commentator in his home country.
Amanda Butler-Davis said that Alan had dedicated his life to motorsport and had created a legacy that would live on through the countless people he had touched along the way.
Jones is survived by his wife and six children. A statement released on behalf of his wife by the national broadcaster ABC noted, He will be sorely missed and kept in loving memory by his closest relatives as well as by the many fans for whose support he was always grateful.
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