F1 Legend Alan Jones Dies at 80 Days After Birthday as Reports Reveal Recent Cancer Diagnosis
Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula One world champion and the last Australian to win the drivers' title, has died aged 80 after a short illness in Australia on 5 November, his family has confirmed. His wife said he would be 'dearly missed and fondly remembered' by relatives and fans around the world, just days after he marked his 80th birthday.
His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, confirmed his death through Motorsport Australia, the country's governing body for the sport. She said he died on 5 November and would be 'dearly missed and fondly remembered' by family and fans.
Jones turned 80 on Monday 2 November, three days before his death. Australian broadcaster Nine reported that he had recently been diagnosed with cancer. That has not been independently verified, and the family's statement referred only to a short illness.
From Melbourne to Formula One
Born in Melbourne on 2 November 1946, Jones followed fellow Australian Sir Jack Brabham's path by moving to Europe in 1970 to pursue a career in motor racing, working through the junior categories. He made his Formula One debut at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with Hesketh, then raced for Hill, Surtees and Shadow.
His first grand prix victory came in Austria in 1977 with Shadow. He beat Niki Lauda in wet conditions to become the first Australian to win a major event since Brabham in 1970.
Williams, Alan Jones and the 1980 Title
Jones joined the Saudi-backed Williams team in 1978. In 1979 he retired from the lead of the British Grand Prix, handing the team its first victory through Clay Regazzoni, before winning four of the next five races to finish third in the standings.
Starting 1980 as favourite, Jones won five grands prix. He opened the season in Argentina despite spinning twice, then won in France, Britain, Canada and the United States.
He clinched the championship at the Canadian Grand Prix on 28 September, when closest rival Nelson Piquet retired with engine failure, with one race remaining. He finished the season 13 points ahead of the Brazilian.
Jones was the first driver to win the title for Williams and the second Australian world champion after Brabham. It was the first of seven drivers' championships for the team, which was founded in 1977.
Reflecting on the title after the death of Sir Frank Williams in 2021, Jones called it 'a very emotional moment'.
That year he also won the Australian Grand Prix at Calder Park Raceway, then not part of the world championship, and remains the last Australian to win the race.
Jones finished third in the standings again in 1981, losing a likely victory at Monaco that year when fuel problems let Ferrari's Gilles Villeneuve through to win. He returned in 1983 and again in 1985 before retiring for good in 1986 with 12 victories from 116 starts.
Life After Racing for F1 Legend Alan Jones
After leaving Formula One, Jones raced in Australian touring cars and later worked as a television commentator and race steward. He also managed Australia's A1 Grand Prix team.
He was appointed an MBE and inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation described him as 'one of Australia's greatest racing drivers', according to reports.
Jones is survived by his wife and six children, according to reports.