Former Formula 1 team owner and beloved motorsport personality Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed on Thursday. The charismatic Irishman, who had revealed his battle with cancer in December, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Cape Town during the early hours of 20th March 2025.
Jordan had been fighting an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his spine and pelvis over the past 12 months. His family announced his passing with profound sadness, noting that the entrepreneur and television pundit brought “an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm” wherever he went.
The motorsport community has been left in mourning following the news, with tributes pouring in from across the Formula 1 paddock and beyond for a man who made an indelible mark on the sport through his eponymous racing team and larger-than-life personality.
Jordan’s Formula 1 Legacy
Eddie Jordan’s impact on Formula 1 cannot be overstated. His self-named team competed in 250 races between 1991 and 2005, securing four victories during that period. Perhaps the team’s finest moment came at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, where Damon Hill led home a remarkable one-two finish for Jordan Grand Prix.
Beyond the race victories, Jordan’s eye for talent proved exceptional. He famously gave seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher his Formula 1 debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix. The German driver would go on to achieve unprecedented success in the sport, with his record of seven world championships only matched by Lewis Hamilton in 2020.
After selling his Formula 1 team in 2005, Jordan remained a prominent figure in the paddock, transitioning to media work. He joined the BBC’s coverage team in 2009 before later moving to Channel 4 as a pundit. His broadcasting career also briefly included a stint as a presenter on the popular motoring programme Top Gear.
Tributes From the Racing Community
Formula 1’s chief executive Stefano Domenicali expressed his sorrow from Shanghai ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan,” Domenicali stated. “With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.”
Domenicali added that Jordan “has been a protagonist of an era of F1” and would be “deeply missed,” extending thoughts from the entire Formula One family to Jordan’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Television presenter Jake Humphrey, who worked alongside Jordan during their time at the BBC, shared an emotional tribute on social media. “Utterly devastated. EJ has left us,” Humphrey wrote. “Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races.”
Humphrey highlighted that Jordan’s greatest achievements were his four children—Mikki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak—who “share his spirit.” He also praised Jordan’s wife Marie as “one of the strongest, most wonderful women” he had ever met, before concluding with a poignant observation about Jordan’s character: “Eddie lit up a room whenever he entered it. That is a lesson for us all – be the light in the room.”
From Humble Beginnings
Jordan’s journey to Formula 1 team ownership represented a remarkable tale of determination and entrepreneurial spirit. Beginning his involvement in motorsport as a driver in the 1970s, he eventually established Eddie Jordan Racing, which competed successfully in junior formulae before making the ambitious leap to Formula 1 in 1991.
The team quickly gained attention not only for its competitive performances but also for Jordan’s colourful personality and marketing acumen. Operating with significantly fewer resources than the sport’s established powerhouses, Jordan Grand Prix punched above its weight throughout its existence, earning respect throughout the paddock.
The team’s maiden victory came at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix in chaotic, rain-soaked conditions at Spa-Francorchamps. Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, delivered a masterful drive to secure a historic win, with teammate Ralf Schumacher completing a dream one-two finish for the squad.
A Lasting Impact on Motorsport
Jordan’s influence extended beyond his team’s on-track achievements. His ability to spot and nurture driving talent helped launch numerous successful careers, with drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Eddie Irvine, and Giancarlo Fisichella all spending time with the team.
After selling his Formula 1 operation in 2005, which later evolved through various ownership changes to become the current Aston Martin team, Jordan remained a prominent and popular figure in the sport. His straight-talking approach and infectious enthusiasm made him a natural fit for television punditry.
Jordan’s passing marks the end of an era for Formula 1, representing the loss of one of the sport’s most distinctive characters. His legacy lives on not only through the memories of his team’s achievements but also through the careers he helped shape and the countless fans he entertained both on and off the track.
The thoughts of the entire motorsport world are with Eddie Jordan’s family and friends during this difficult time. Formula 1 has lost a true original whose contribution to the sport will never be forgotten.
