Eddie Jordan, former Formula 1 team owner and television pundit, has passed away at the age of 76. Jordan, who battled aggressive prostate cancer, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.
His family released a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit, and entrepreneur.”
“He passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20 March 2025.”
Known globally for his outspoken and playful nature, Jordan was a successful independent team owner.
His team, Jordan Grand Prix, which debuted in 1991, secured four Grand Prix victories over its 15-year tenure and was a contender in the 1999 drivers’ championship before its decline and eventual sale in 2005.
Following his time in racing, Jordan became a television commentator, first with BBC Sport and later with Channel 4, where he was celebrated for his candid opinions and knack for breaking significant news.
His family’s statement continued: “He was working until the last, having communicated on St. Patrick’s Day about his ambitions for the London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become patron.”
“Eddie and Jordan Grand Prix were known for their rock and roll image, bringing a fun and exciting element to F1, as well as consistently performing above their weight.”
“Many successful F1 drivers owe their career breaks to Eddie, and world champions including Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill drove for him.”
“EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy, and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole in our hearts without his presence.”
“He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tons of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow,” the statement reads.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of F1, expressed his condolences, noting: “With his inexhaustible energy, he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.”
“Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed. In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula 1 family are with his family and loved ones.”
Jordan was celebrated not only for his flamboyant lifestyle and celebrity friendships but also as a drummer in his band, Eddie & The Robbers, which mirrored his colorful business persona.
He is credited with giving Michael Schumacher his first F1 start at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix before Schumacher moved to the Benetton team.
After some financially challenging years, Jordan secured a major sponsorship with Benson & Hedges in 1996, propelling the team into the competitive forefront.
By 1998, the team was competing with the top teams, and Jordan celebrated his first victory with Damon Hill at the rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who replaced Hill at Williams in 1997, won two races for Jordan in 1999 and was a championship contender.
The team’s final victory came with Giancarlo Fisichella at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, a win initially awarded to Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren in a contentious race, later resolved in Fisichella’s favor through results countback.
In 2005, Jordan sold the team to Russian-Canadian businessman Alex Shnaider, and it has since evolved through several identities, now known as Aston Martin.
Jordan’s final major F1 involvement was facilitating the deal for design legend Adrian Newey to join Aston Martin this year, having developed a close friendship and acting as Newey’s manager during negotiations after his departure from Red Bull.
