Alan Jones, 1980 Formula 1 World Champion, Dies at 80 Following Short Il…

Alan Jones, the relentless Australian racer who became the second Australian to win a Formula 1 world championship and established the foundations of the Williams team's success, has died at the age of 80. His death on November 5, 2026, followed a short illness, occurring just three days after his 80th birthday on November 2. His passing follows the same week that Kimi Antonelli was crowned the 2026 Formula One world champion at age 20.

His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, announced his passing in a statement released through Motorsport Australia: We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness. 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.

She added: 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. As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan’s journey for the many years of friendship, love and support. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.

A Foundation for Williams

Jones is best remembered as the man who transformed Williams from an emerging team into a championship force. Joining in 1978, he became the team’s first Drivers' World Champion in 1980.

Writing for The-Race.com, analyst Mark Hughes noted that Jones was strong like an ox, psychologically more airtight than anyone who's ever climbed into a race car, and the most aggressive wheel-to-wheel racer who scared the living daylights out of his rivals.

Career Milestones and Statistics

Born in Melbourne on November 2, 1946, Jones moved to the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. To fund his racing ambitions, he ran a boarding house and bought used mini vans to resell to backpackers. His breakthrough came after filling in for the late Tom Pryce at Shadow, where he won the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix. The event was marked by a peculiar lack of the Australian national anthem; organizers, failing to realize it was the same melody as God Save the Queen, played Happy Birthday on a trumpet instead.

His statistical record in Formula 1 includes:

• 1975: F1 debut at the Spanish Grand Prix with Hesketh.
• 1977: Maiden Grand Prix victory in Austria for Shadow.
• 1980: Five Grand Prix wins (Argentina, France, Britain, Canada, and the United States) en route to the world championship.
• 1981: Final F1 victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
• 1985-1986: Final F1 stint with the Haas team.

Across 116 F1 race entries, Jones claimed 12 victories and 24 podiums. Beyond Formula 1, he won the 1982 Australian Sports Sedan and GT Championship, and the 1993 Bathurst 12 Hour. He competed in the Australian Touring Car Championship until his retirement from competition in 2002.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1980, inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, and the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2016.

Tributes from the Sport

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to Jones's legacy: Alan was a formidable competitor, a natural leader and an icon who inspired generations of fans, particularly in his beloved Australia. His place in Formula 1 history is assured, not least for bringing Williams their first Drivers' and Constructors' World Championships in 1980, a defining moment for the team and our sport.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation highlighted his national significance: As a Formula 1 World Champion and one of Australia’s greatest racing drivers, Alan holds a special place in the history of our sport. His 1980 world championship inspired a generation of Australian motorsport fans, while his victory at the Australian Grand Prix that same year remains the last time an Australian driver has won their home grand prix.

Jones is survived by his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, and his six children: Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla, and Emma.