F1: Alan Jones, 1980 world champion, dies aged 80

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion with Williams, has died aged 80. The Australian passed away three days after his birthday following a short illness, according to a family statement issued through Motorsport Australia.

A champion who became a Williams icon

Born in Melbourne in 1946, Alan Jones had three spells in Formula 1 between 1975 and 1986. He began with a privately entered Hesketh before driving for Graham Hill's team. He joined Williams in 1978 and took his first win in Germany in 1979, followed by three more victories that season.

In 1980 he won five Grands Prix and clinched the world title, finishing 13 points clear of Nelson Piquet. That made him the first driver to win a title for Williams. His F1 career totals 117 starts, 12 wins and 24 podiums.

Williams and Australian motorsport pay tribute

Williams said it was deeply saddened and described him as a fast, uncompromising racer who helped build the team into what it is today. The team called him a true Australian icon and a Williams legend, and pointed to the close bond he formed with Frank Williams and Patrick Head.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation also expressed its sadness. It recalled that Alan Jones won the 1980 Australian Grand Prix, the last time an Australian driver won the home race.

A career beyond F1

After leaving F1, Alan Jones kept racing. He took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, competed in the Australian V8 Supercars championship, with second place in 1993 as his best result, and raced in CART with Newman-Haas. His last professional event was the 2002 Bathurst 1000.

He also became a familiar voice on Australian television as a commentator on F1 Grands Prix. From 2010 he also served as a driver steward for the FIA.

Key facts

• Alan Jones died aged 80 after a short illness.
• He was the 1980 F1 world champion with Williams.
• He won 12 Grands Prix in F1.
• His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, is among the loved ones named in the family statement.

Motorsport has lost one of the defining champions of the 1980s.

The editorial team