F1 icon Eddie Jordan passes away at age 76
Eddie Jordan, who founded and led Jordan Grand Prix to F1 victories in the 1990s, has died at 76 after battling cancer. The charismatic Irishman later became a popular TV pundit and businessman.
Former Jordan F1 founder loses battle with cancer after decades of contribution to motorsport
Eddie Jordan, the charismatic former Formula 1 team owner who built his eponymous racing outfit into a competitive force in the 1990s, has died at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer.
Jordan's family announced his passing after he had been fighting an aggressive form of bladder and prostate cancer that had spread to his spine and pelvis. The Irishman had publicly revealed his diagnosis last December.
From F3000 to Grand Prix Winners
Jordan became a fixture in the Formula 1 paddock for nearly four decades, initially as the owner of his Jordan Grand Prix team which competed in F1 from 1991 to 2005.
What began as a humble operation from F3000 evolved into a competitive midfield team capable of challenging the sport's established powers.
The team's breakthrough came at a rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix where Damon Hill led Ralf Schumacher to a historic 1-2 finish – the first victory for Jordan in Formula 1.
This success preceded the team's most competitive campaign in 1999, when Heinz-Harald Frentzen secured two more wins and both driver and team achieved their highest championship positions, finishing third overall.
Jordan's final triumph came in unusual circumstances during the weather-affected 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Initially awarded to McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, the victory was later correctly credited to Jordan driver Giancarlo Fisichella after the race was suspended early due to torrential conditions.
Legacy beyond team ownership
By the mid-2000s, financial challenges had mounted as the team struggled to compete against manufacturer-backed outfits after losing its Honda engine supply to BAR.
Jordan sold his team to the Midland Group ahead of the 2006 season, beginning a series of transformations that would see the outfit evolve through iterations as Spyker, Force India, Racing Point, and finally into today's Aston Martin team.
After stepping away from team management, Jordan reinvented himself as a television pundit renowned for his unfiltered opinions and colorful commentary.
He also built a successful career as a businessman and investor outside the sport.
Passionate health advocate
Despite his deteriorating health, Jordan made a public appearance last September when his former protégé, designer Adrian Newey, was announced at Aston Martin.
In December, he used his Formula For Success podcast to deliver an important message about early detection.
"Don't waste or put it off. Go and get tested, because in life, you've got chances,"
Jordan urged listeners.
"There is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it. Don't be stupid. Don't be shy."
Tributes from the paddock
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute, saying:
"We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan. With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times."
Jordan is survived by his wife Marie and four children.
His contributions to motorsport and charity work were recognized with an OBE in 2012 for his services to motor racing and his patronage of child cancer charity CLIC Sargent and the Amber Foundation.
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