MARCH 20, 2025

Eddie Jordan, F1 team boss and pundit, dies at 76

Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner and television pundit, has died at the age of 76 following a battle with an aggressive form of bladder and prostate cancer.

His family confirmed the news, describing him as a charismatic figure who brought energy and Irish charm wherever he went.

Jordan was a strong presence in the F1 paddock in the 1990s. He founded Jordan Grand Prix in 1991, taking the team from beginnings in lower levels in motorsports to a competitive force in F1 at its peak.

His squad secured its first and most famous victory at the rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, where Damon Hill led home teammate Ralf Schumacher in a stunning 1-2 finish.

The following year marked Jordan’s strongest season, as Heinz-Harald Frentzen won twice and the team finished third in the Constructors’ Championship.

The team’s final victory came at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, a chaotic rain-affected race where Giancarlo Fisichella was belatedly awarded the win after an initial scoring error.

However, by then, Jordan Grand Prix was struggling financially, having lost its Honda engine deal and failing to compete with manufacturer-backed rivals. Jordan sold the team ahead of the 2006 season, with its lineage eventually leading to the current Aston Martin F1 Team.

After stepping away from team ownership, Jordan became a popular TV pundit, known for his outspoken views and unique sense of humor. He also pursued business ventures outside motorsport, solidifying his reputation as a shrewd investor.

In December last year, Jordan publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis, urging others to undergo regular medical checkups.

He said on his Formula For Success podcast, "This is a little message, and everybody listen to this: Don’t waste or put it off. Go and get tested, because in life, you’ve got chances. And there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it. Don’t be stupid. Don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing. Look after your body, guys.”

Jordan is survived by his wife Marie and their four children. In 2012, he was awarded an OBE for services to motorsport and charity, having been a dedicated patron of childhood cancer organizations.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute, calling Jordan a defining personality of his era who always made people smile.

The Aston Martin F1 team issued a statement, "We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eddie Jordan. His impact will be felt across the motorsport community for generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”

Andy Cowell, CEO & Team Principal said, “Eddie Jordan was one of the all-time motorsport greats. He was a one-off, a wonderful human being, and a charismatic leader who founded this team and took it to F1 in 1991. His vision laid the foundations for us and he leaves a lasting legacy for the entire motorsport community. Today we pay tribute to a legend of the sport and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”

The motorsport community mourns the loss of a figure whose passion and character left an indelible mark on the sport.