Australian Formula 1 legend Alan Jones has died aged 80, just three days after celebrating his milestone birthday. The 1980 world champion, who secured Williams’ first Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, died following a short illness on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Jones won 12 Grands Prix during his career and remains the last Australian driver to win the Formula 1 world title. His death marks the loss of one of the country’s most influential motorsport figures, whose career extended from international racing to Australian television broadcasting.
Alan Jones’ Illness and Final Days
Jones turned 80 on Monday, November 2. According to Nine, he had been diagnosed with cancer only weeks before his death. His precise medical cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
During Nine’s Oaks Day coverage, broadcaster Eddie McGuire revealed that Jones’ wife, Amanda, had told him the racing champion celebrated his birthday with his favourite caviar.
McGuire paid an emotional tribute, remembering Jones as a straight-talking personality and one of the finest motorsport commentators he had worked alongside.
1980 Formula 1 Championship and Racing Career
Born in Melbourne on November 2, 1946, Jones developed his passion for racing through his father, Stan Jones, a former racing driver and Holden dealership owner.
He moved to Europe in 1970 and achieved his breakthrough in 1973, winning a Formula 3 race at Silverstone before making his Formula 1 debut in 1975.
His first Grand Prix victory came in Austria in 1977 while driving for Shadow. Ferrari subsequently considered signing him but ultimately chose Gilles Villeneuve. Jones joined Williams in 1978, beginning his most successful racing partnership.
In 1980, he won five Grands Prix in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States. He secured the world championship in Canada with one race remaining, finishing 13 points ahead of Nelson Piquet.
Jones became Australia’s second Formula 1 world champion after Sir Jack Brabham. His achievements are documented in the official Formula 1 Hall of Fame.
His championship remains a benchmark for Australian drivers, including those competing in the modern era. The sport’s current calendar continues with events such as the 2026 SĂŁo Paulo Grand Prix.
Retirement, Bathurst and Broadcasting Legacy
Jones initially retired after the 1981 season before returning to Formula 1 in 1983 and again in 1985. He permanently retired following the 1986 season.
Across his Formula 1 career, he recorded 12 victories, 24 podium finishes and six pole positions from 116 race starts.
He later competed in Australian touring car racing, finishing second at the 1995 Bathurst 1000 alongside Allan Grice. Jones also became a prominent television commentator, working alongside Darryl Eastlake on Nine’s Formula 1 broadcasts.
His wider contribution to motorsport came during a period of growing Australian interest in international racing, which now extends to competitions such as the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix.
Alan Jones’ Wife, Children and Tributes
Jones is survived by his wife Amanda, their twins Zara and Jack, daughter Camilla from a previous relationship, and adopted son Christian.
Motorsport journalist Matt Bishop recently described Jones as one of Formula 1’s most underrated champions, highlighting his strength, speed and competitive determination.
Jones was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and received Legend status in the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2019.
More than four decades after his championship triumph, Jones remains the most recent Australian Formula 1 world champion, with his achievements continuing to shape the country’s racing history.
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