Alan Jones, 1980 F1 world champion, dies aged 80

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion, has died, aged 80. 

Jones, the last Australian to win the F1 title, passed away three days after celebrating his 80th birthday on Monday, after a battle with a short illness.

Jones is survived by his wife Amanda, with whom he shares twins Zara and Jack. He also has a daughter, Camilla, from a previous relationship, and an adopted son, Christian.

"We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” Amanda said in a statement issued to Motorsport Australia. 

"He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.

"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, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe.

"As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan’s journey for the many years of friendship, love and support. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him."

Born in Melbourne on November 2nd, 1946, Jones made his F1 debut at the 1975 Spanish GP, before going onto take an stunning first career win for the unfancied Shadow team at the 1977 Austrian GP. 

This performance, and a third place at that year's Italian GP, earned him a move to Williams for 1978, where he, Frank Williams, and Patrick Head were gaining momentum. 

But it would not be until the 1979 German GP Jones won his first race for the team, being pipped to Williams' first win by one race as Clay Regazzoni took the honours at Silverstone. 

A total of four wins in the final six races propelled him to third in the drivers' standings, but the Ferraris of Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve were too far ahead after their strong start.

But in 1980, Jones won four races and took five further podiums as he became the first Australian since Jack Brabham in 1966 to win the drivers' title - and took Williams' first title. 

The team also won the constructors' - and defended it in 1981, but Jones could only finish third in his title defence as Nelson Piquet took the crown. 

After winning the season-finale in Las Vegas, Jones stepped away from F1, only to be enticed back in 1983 for a one-off appearance before being tempted back full-time with the Haas team - no relation to the modern Haas operation.

His season-and-a-half was blighted by retirements, with a fourth and fifth his best results before hanging his helmet up for good following the 1986 Australian GP - days before his 40th birthday. 

In total, from his 116 starts, Jones won 12 grands prix, took 24 podiums, six pole positions, and 13 fastest laps as well as the 1980 drivers' title.

In 1978, Jones also won the CAN-AM sportscar championship in a dominant season, with five wins, a second, and a third from the nine races he took part in. 

After retiring, Jones moved into a broadcast career with Australian TV, sometimes working with motorcycle champion Barry Sheene. 

In 1980, he received an MBE for services to motor racing. 

Alan Jones, 1980 Formula 1 world champion. November 2nd, 1946-November 5th, 2026.

Everyone at RacingNews365 sends their thoughts to the family and friends of Alan Jones at this difficult time.