Formula 1 is mourning the death of Alan Jones, the 1980 world champion and the first driver to win the Drivers’ Championship with Williams, who passed away on 5 November at the age of 80. The Australian racing legend died following a short illness, just three days after celebrating his 80th birthday. His death was confirmed by Motorsport Australia in a statement issued on behalf of his wife, Amanda.
With his passing, Formula 1 has lost one of the defining figures of an era when determination and courage were essential qualities for success. Known for his aggressive driving style, uncompromising character and fierce competitive spirit, Jones claimed 12 Grand Prix victories during his career and played a central role in establishing Williams as a championship-winning force.
Alan Jones: From Australian karting champion to Formula 1 race winner
Born in Melbourne on 2 November 1946, Alan Jones began his motorsport career in karting, winning the Australian championship in 1963. Four years later, he decided to move to Europe to pursue his ambition of reaching Formula 1, embarking on a challenging journey through the junior racing categories.
His Formula 1 debut came in 1975 with Hesketh, before he continued the season with Hill. After spending 1976 with Surtees, Jones secured an important opportunity with Shadow in 1977, a move that would lead to a historic achievement for the team.
At the Österreichring in Austria, the Australian secured his maiden Grand Prix victory, delivering what would remain Shadow’s only win in the Formula 1 World Championship. The result marked a turning point in his career and helped attract the attention of Frank Williams, who was building a team destined to become one of the sport’s most successful operations.
How Alan Jones became Williams’ first Formula 1 world champion
Alan Jones joined Williams in 1978, finishing his first season with the team in 11th place in the Drivers’ Championship. The British outfit’s progress was remarkably swift, and by 1979, the Australian had emerged as one of the leading contenders on the grid.
That season, Jones secured four victories, winning the German, Austrian, Dutch and Canadian Grands Prix. Those results helped him finish third in the championship standings and laid the foundations for the breakthrough that would follow.
The 1980 Formula 1 season transformed Williams’ history. Driving the FW07B, Jones won five Grands Prix in Argentina, France, Great Britain, Canada and the United States East, securing the Drivers’ World Championship.
It was the first drivers’ title for the team founded by Frank Williams and made Jones only the second Australian to become Formula 1 world champion, following Jack Brabham, who had previously claimed three championships. His success established Williams among the leading forces in the sport and remains one of the defining achievements in Formula 1’s championship history.
The final Williams victories and Alan Jones’ return to Formula 1
Jones remained a major contender in the 1981 championship, winning the United States West Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He finished third in the Drivers’ Championship, just four points behind eventual world champion Nelson Piquet.
Despite continuing to compete at the front of the field, Jones decided to leave Formula 1 at the end of 1981. However, that decision did not mark the definitive end of his Grand Prix career.
He made a one-off appearance with Arrows at the 1983 Long Beach Grand Prix before returning to the championship with Beatrice Haas in 1985. Jones remained with Carl Haas’s team for the following season, eventually retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 1986.
His competitive career continued beyond Formula 1, particularly in Australian touring car racing. Jones had also demonstrated his versatility by winning the Can-Am championship in 1978, proving his ability to succeed in very different types of racing machinery.
Alan Jones’ legacy in Australian motorsport
Alan Jones remained a hugely influential figure in Australian motorsport throughout his life. Long before the emergence of Mark Webber, Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri, his 1980 world championship triumph, alongside Jack Brabham’s achievements, represented the pinnacle of Australia’s success in Formula 1.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation also paid tribute to Jones, highlighting how his world championship victory inspired an entire generation of Australian motorsport enthusiasts. In the same year that he claimed the Formula 1 title, Jones also won the Australian Grand Prix, which was not yet part of the World Championship calendar.
That victory made him the last Australian driver to win his home Grand Prix, adding another significant achievement to a career already defined by success at the highest level of international motorsport.
Alan Jones’ family pays emotional tribute after his death
One of the most moving tributes came from Jones’ family, whose statement was released through Motorsport Australia. His wife, Amanda, expressed the family’s grief following his death and reflected on the affection he had received throughout his life.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who died on 5 November following a short illness,” Amanda said.
“He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.”
The family also reflected on his lifelong dedication to racing and the legacy he leaves behind.
“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, his passion and his unmistakable character, both on and off the track, he left an indelible mark on the sport, both in Australia and around the world.”
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