Former F1 Team Boss Eddie Jordan Dies at 76
Former F1 Team Boss Eddie Jordan Dies at 76
Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner and well-known television pundit, has passed away at the age of 76. The Irish motorsport figure, celebrated for his colorful personality and contributions to Formula 1, died in the early hours of Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Jordan had publicly revealed in December 2024 that he had been battling cancer. He had been diagnosed earlier in the year with bladder and prostate cancer, which had unfortunately spread to his spine and pelvis. Despite the severity of his condition, Jordan remained optimistic, sharing updates about his treatment and progress with close friends and colleagues. He had been undergoing chemotherapy in Cape Town and remained hopeful about his recovery.
Sadly, his family confirmed his death through an official statement. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, television pundit, and entrepreneur. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20 March 2025.”
Jordan’s impact on Formula 1 was significant, both on and off the track. He founded the Jordan Grand Prix team in 1991, which quickly gained a reputation for its bold spirit and nurturing of young talent. His team famously gave racing legend Michael Schumacher his debut in Formula 1 at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, a pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
Under Jordan’s leadership, the team achieved competitive success in the late 1990s. One of their most memorable moments came in 1998, when Damon Hill secured the team’s first Grand Prix victory — fittingly, again at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. By that time, Jordan Grand Prix was competing at the front of the grid, often challenging more established teams.
Despite their on-track achievements, financial difficulties eventually took a toll on the team. In 2005, Jordan sold his team to businessman Alex Shnaider, who rebranded it as MF1 Racing for the following season. The team later changed ownership several times, eventually becoming Force India in 2008. The team was later sold again and now exists as Aston Martin F1, still operating out of the original Jordan Grand Prix headquarters in Silverstone.
Following his departure from team ownership, Jordan reinvented himself as a popular TV personality. He joined the BBC’s Formula 1 broadcast team in 2009, where he became known for his lively commentary and for breaking major news stories in the paddock. In 2016, he moved to Channel 4, where he continued to serve as a lead F1 analyst, earning praise for his deep knowledge of the sport and charismatic style.
Eddie Jordan leaves behind a lasting legacy in motorsport — not just as a team owner who launched the careers of great drivers, but also as an enthusiastic promoter of Formula 1 who brought the sport closer to fans worldwide. His passion, humor, and larger-than-life character made him one of the most beloved figures in the racing world.
He is survived by his family, who were by his side in his final moments.
