The Australian driver’s family announced his death after a short illness. Jones won the world title with Williams and collected 12 Grand Prix victories over his Formula 1 career. His path from Melbourne to European racing made him the second Australian world champion, after Jack Brabham.
Alan Jones, the Australian racing driver who became Formula 1 world champion in 1980, died on 5 November at the age of 80 after a short illness.[1], [2]
His wife Amanda Butler-Davis announced his death through Motorsport Australia, the country’s motorsport governing body. The family thanked the people who had accompanied his career and supported him. Jones is survived by Amanda and six children: Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.[1]
Born in Melbourne, Jones went to Europe in 1970 to pursue racing. He entered Formula 3 with GRD in 1973 and made his Formula 1 debut for Hesketh in 1975. His first Grand Prix win came with Shadow in Austria in 1977; a move to Williams followed in 1978.[1]
Jones won in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States during 1980 and added five other podium finishes. He clinched the championship with one race still to run, following Jack Brabham as Australia’s second champion. His Formula 1 record reached 12 victories. After his racing career, he worked as a television commentator and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.[1]
