F1 champion Alan Jones passes away, aged 80

Formula 1 was today mourning the loss of Alan Jones, the Australian driver who claimed the 1980 Formula 1 World Championship with Williams.

Born on November 2 1946 in Melbourne, Australia, ‘Jonesy’ as he was known made his first F1 appearance at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix in a Hesketh 308B.

But while he would also race for Surtees, Beatrice Lola, Hill and the Shadow team – with whom he would claim his maiden victory, at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix – it is with Williams that Jones is most associated.

A favourite driver of team boss Sir Frank Williams and technical chief Sir Patrick Head, Jones took the team’s first podium at Watkins Glen in 1978 and their first pole position at Silverstone in 1979.

He would go on to claim five victories out of 14 in the 1980 season, to become Australia’s second World Champion, after Sir Jack Brabham – while 11 of his 12 F1 victories would come with the team.

“Alan was the greatest fun, a terrific driver,” Head recalled in a 2012 interview.

“Alan was already a Grand Prix winner, and his arrival [at Williams] made us say, ‘We’d better shape up here’. It wasn’t as if we weren’t already working hard, but it gave us a focus that maybe we hadn’t had before.”

Jones would ultimately leave Formula 1 in 1986, going on to enjoy a second career as a broadcaster in his native Australia.

Paying tribute to Jones, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Jones, a true great of our sport and an extraordinary racer. Alan was a formidable competitor, a natural leader and an icon who inspired generations of fans, particularly in his beloved Australia.

“His place in Formula 1 history is assured, not least for bringing Williams their first Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in 1980, a defining moment for the team and our sport. But beyond his achievements on track, Alan will be remembered for his character, his passion and the lasting mark he left on Formula 1.

“He will be greatly missed by the entire Formula 1 family. On behalf of Formula 1, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”

A statement posted by the Williams team read: “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.”

Alan Jones – 1946-2026