Former Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has died at the age of 80 or 81. He was the first driver to win a world title for the Williams team. The Australian racer secured 12 career victories and became a defining figure of his era, most notably during his 1980 championship season. Born on November 2, 1946, into a family with racing roots, Jones moved from Australia to England in 1970 to begin his career after his father Stan’s racing company failed, according to 24ur.com.
Jones secures first title for Williams
Jones built a career by elevating emerging teams. He debuted in Formula 1 in 1975. This followed his first experience on the European racing scene in 1969. He drove for several outfits, including Hesketh, Hill, Surtees, and Shadow.
A major victory occurred in 1977 while driving for Shadow. He won the Austrian Grand Prix by defeating local favorite Niki Lauda, according to RTVSLO.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Jones. A true Williams legend, Alan formed an extraordinary bond with Frank Williams and Patrick Head and made history by winning our first Drivers’ World Championship in 1980. He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast,… pic.twitter.com/fUj3aoEfNs
Frank Williams recruited him following this success. The partnership was effective. Jones secured four wins in 1979. He followed that with five victories in 1980 to claim the world championship.
Piquet finished four points ahead of Jones in the 1981 championship. Jones completed that season in third place before his initial departure from the sport, according to 24ur.com.
A missed Ferrari contract
Jones faced a moment of regret regarding a potential move to Ferrari. The Italian team approached him after the death of Gilles Villeneuve in May 1982. They also approached him following a serious accident involving Didier Pironi in August of that year.
He did not respond to the offer in a timely manner, Tv3M reported. Ferrari subsequently hired Mario Andretti for the final two races of the season.
Jones later reflected on this missed chance. He described it as the stupidest mistake in his career
, according to RTVSLO.
He eventually returned to the sport. He competed for Arrows in 1983. He also drove for Haas-Beatrice during the 1985 and 1986 seasons, as noted by Metropolitan.
He was unable to achieve the same level of major success in his later returns after his first departure following the 1981 season.
Jones tallied 12 Formula 1 wins
Throughout his Formula 1 career, Jones achieved 12 wins and 24 podium finishes. He also competed in endurance racing. This included an appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Porsche, as detailed by 24Ur. Jones was considered one of the best drivers of his period.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Formula 1 Wins | 12 |
| Formula 1 Podiums | 24 |
| World Championships | 1 (1980) |
Jones influenced Australian motorsport
Jones transitioned into a career as a television commentator for Australian networks Channel 9 and Network 10 after retiring from professional racing. He remained a prominent figure in his home country, particularly during the Australian Grand Prix.
Future Formula 1 winner Daniel Ricciardo cited Jones as one of his role models. Jones also held personal connections within the sport.
Jones recognized Niki Lauda’s voice over the speakers during a trip on a Lauda Air aircraft. After Jones asked a flight attendant to inform the pilot he was on board, Lauda invited him into the cockpit. Jones spent nearly the entire flight there, as reported by RTVSLO.