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The motorsport world is mourning once again after losing another of its great names on Thursday. Alan Jones, Williams’ first world champion and Australia’s last Formula 1 champion, has died just three days after celebrating his 80th birthday.
The former Williams driver, who claimed 12 victories during his career and played a major role in the British team’s rise, died following a short illness. His wife Amanda announced his death in a statement to Motorsport Australia.
“We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” said Amanda Butler-Davis. “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,” she wrote.
Jones made his Formula 1 debut in 1975, but spent his early seasons with less competitive teams. His breakthrough came in 1977, when he joined Shadow. At the Austrian Grand Prix, he upset the favourites in challenging conditions to claim his maiden victory. It was also Shadow’s first and only Formula 1 win. The result underlined Jones’ talent and opened the door to bigger opportunities.
In 1978, the Australian joined Williams, which was still establishing itself among the leading teams. His partnership with Frank Williams and designer Patrick Head would prove decisive in his career.
The real breakthrough came in 1979. Driving the Williams FW07, Jones won four grands prix and finished third in the championship. Williams emerged as one of the strongest challengers to the previously dominant teams, while Jones firmly established himself as a title contender.
The pinnacle of Jones’ career came in 1980. At the wheel of the Williams FW07B, he delivered remarkably consistent performances and won five grands prix during the season. He beat Brazil’s Nelson Piquet to the championship, becoming only the second Australian after Jack Brabham to win the Formula 1 world title. To this day, none of his compatriots has matched that achievement.
Jones’ championship triumph was also a historic milestone for Williams, ushering in a golden era for the Grove-based team. Jones was thus one of the key figures at the start of Frank Williams’ successful era.
After winning the title, he stayed with Williams for 1981, taking two further victories, including his final win in Las Vegas. Despite its dominance in the constructors’ championship, however, Williams could not secure the drivers’ title; as team-mates Jones and Reutemann fought each other, it was a third contender — Brabham’s Nelson Piquet — who came out on top.
He subsequently announced his retirement from Formula 1, although he returned to the championship several times. He finally brought his F1 career to an end after the 1986 season.
Alan Jones was one of the toughest and most uncompromising drivers of his generation. The Australian was known for his aggressive driving style, determination and fierce desire to win. He gave his rivals nothing on track and was just as forthright off it, never afraid to speak his mind.
It was precisely that combination of speed, determination and an uncompromising character that made Jones one of the most respected drivers of his era.
