Alan Jones, Williams’ first F1 world champion, dies aged 80
His family announced his death following an illness, with Williams paying tribute to its 1980 title winner.
Formula Report
Alan Jones, who won Williams’ first Formula 1 drivers’ world championship in 1980, has died aged 80 following an illness.
Jones won 12 grands prix and recorded 24 podium finishes during his Formula 1 career. He finished his championship-winning season 13 points ahead of Nelson Piquet, as Williams also secured the constructors’ title.
His wife Amanda announced his death in a family statement released through Motorsport Australia. “Alan dedicated his life to motorsport, building a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way,” she said.
Williams paid tribute to Jones’ relationship with Frank Williams and Patrick Head. “He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast, uncompromising racer with a challenger mentality who loved motor racing and dedicated his life to it,” the team said.
Born in Melbourne on 2 November 1946, Jones was the son of businessman and racer Stan Jones. He made his Formula 1 debut in a Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix and subsequently raced for Embassy Hill and Surtees.
Jones won the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix for Shadow before joining Williams in 1978. His first victory for Williams came at the 1979 German Grand Prix, one race after Clay Regazzoni secured the team’s first win at Silverstone.
Jones won four of the final six races in 1979 and finished third in the championship. Across his Williams career from 1978 to 1981, he took 11 victories from 60 starts and all six of his career pole positions.
He initially retired at the end of 1981, then returned for a race with Arrows in 1983 and raced for Haas in 1985 and 1986 before retiring again. Outside Formula 1, he won the 1978 Can-Am sportscar championship and finished sixth overall at the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Jones later worked as a Formula 1 commentator on Australian television and served as an FIA driver steward from 2010 onwards. PlanetF1 reports that he is survived by his wife and six children, Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.
Key takeaways
- Jones died aged 80 following an illness; his family announced his death through Motorsport Australia.
- He won Williams’ first drivers’ championship in 1980.
- His Formula 1 career included 12 victories and 24 podium finishes.
- Williams paid tribute to his contribution to the team.
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Sources›
- PlanetF1: Williams first world champion, Alan Jones, dies aged 80
- Motorsport Week: Williams pays tribute to Alan Jones following his death
- RacingNews365: Williams release statement after 'legend' Alan Jones saddening death
- Motorsport.com: 1980 F1 world champion Alan Jones dies aged 80
- Motorsport Week: Australian F1 legend and first Williams champion Alan Jones dies
- RacingNews365: Alan Jones, 1980 F1 world champion, dies aged 80
- Crash.net: First Williams F1 world champion Alan Jones dies aged 80
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