Alan Jones, Australian F1 legend and 1980 world champion, dies at 80

Former Australian driver Alan Jones, Formula One world champion in 1980 and one of the great motorsport figures in his country, died this Thursday at the age of 80 after a brief illness, as announced by his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, in a statement released by local media.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our beloved Alan, who died on November 5 after a brief illness,” said Butler-Davis, who stressed that the former driver will be remembered for his sporting career, his character and his passion for motorsports.

“Alan dedicated his life to motor sport and built a legacy that will endure through the countless people he reached along his path,” added his wife, who thanked the family for the support and affection received.

Jones, who turned 80 last Monday, achieved twelve grand prix victories during his career in the top category and became the second Australian to win the world title, after Jack Brabham.

Born in Melbourne on November 2, 1946, he was the son of driver Stan Jones, winner of the 1959 Australian Grand Prix.

After moving to London in 1970 to pursue his dream of competing at the highest level, in 1973 he got an opportunity in British Formula 3 with the local GRD team and that year he won at the English Silverstone circuit and finished second in the championship.

He debuted in Formula One in 1975 with the British Hesketh and, after passing through the also British Surtees and the American Shadow, he signed for the British Williams, with whom he reached the peak of his career.

In 1980 he won five grand prizes – Argentina, France, Great Britain, Canada and the United States – and was proclaimed world champion.

He initially retired at the end of the 1981 season, although he returned several times before competing in his last grand prix in 1986. He later continued to be linked to motorsports as a television commentator in Australia.