Alan Jones, 1980 Formula One world champion, dies aged 80
Alan Jones, the last Australian driver to win the Formula One world championship, has died aged 80, just three days after his birthday, following a short illness. Jones, who claimed the 1980 title with Williams, passed away on 5 November, The Guardian reported, and his death was confirmed in a statement released through Motorsport Australia by his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis.
Jones turned 80 on Monday, 2 November, having been born in Melbourne on 2 November 1946. He became only the second Australian, after Sir Jack Brabham, to be crowned world champion when he sealed the 1980 drivers’ title with one race remaining.
A Melbourne kid who chased the dream to Europe
Jones left for Europe in 1970 to pursue his motor racing dream, joining Formula 3 outfit GRD in 1973 after an earlier attempt to launch his career overseas faltered for lack of funds, ABC News reported. He made his F1 debut with Hesketh in 1975 at the Spanish Grand Prix — a race remembered for a crash that killed five spectators — and claimed his maiden victory at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix driving for the Shadow team before joining Williams in 1978, where he found greater success.
Breaking: Australian racing icon and F1 world champion Alan Jones dies https://t.co/E74vqcYckG
The 1980 season defined his legacy: five grand prix wins — Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States — plus five more podium finishes, enough to wrap up the championship at the Canadian Grand Prix with a race to spare. Jones won 12 grands prix across his F1 career and retired for good at the end of 1986, after brief comebacks following his first retirement at the end of 1981. He remains the last Australian to win the F1 world title, a drought that has stretched 46 years despite Australian seats for Mark Webber, Daniel Ricciardo, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan, SMH.com.au noted.
What his family said
Butler-Davis released a statement through Motorsport Australia on Thursday:
“We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness. 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.”
Nine.com.au reported that Jones was diagnosed with cancer only weeks before his death and that he had his favorite caviar on his 80th birthday. He is survived by Amanda and six children — Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma — with Zara and Jack being twins, according to Nine.com.au.
From the cockpit to the commentary box
After retiring, Jones built a broadcasting career as a straight-talking commentator, anchoring Channel Nine’s F1 coverage in Australia from 1987 to 2002 and later appearing on Network 10. He also raced in the Australian Touring Car Championship and twice finished on the podium at the Bathurst 1000, including second place in 1995 with Allan Grice. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, granted legend status in the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2019, and was made an MBE in 1980. Alongside his father Stan — winner of the 1959 Australian Grand Prix — Jones is among only three father-son pairs to have won the Australian Grand Prix.
Even in his final year, Jones remained engaged with the sport’s future: in an interview earlier in 2026, he backed Oscar Piastri as mentally strong and capable of ending Australia’s championship drought, despite Piastri’s near-miss in 2025 and a difficult 2026 season.
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More on Alan Jones
Vale Alan Jones. It is with great sadness that the Australian Grand Prix Corporation acknowledges the passing of Alan Jones, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones and friends. As a Formula 1® World Champion and one of Australia’s greatest racing… pic.twitter.com/R79Pkk3rhY
Australian F1 pioneer Alan Jones has died, aged 80. The 1980 world champion with Williams died following a short battle with illness. pic.twitter.com/muhoHmdzZZ
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