Tributes pour in after Formula 1 icon Eddie Jordan passes away at 76

Dominika Jordan
Mar 20, 2025, 07:07 AM ET

The world of Formula 1 is in mourning following the death of the iconic team owner Eddie Jordan, who passed away at the age of 76. Tributes have flooded in from across the paddock, celebrating the life and legacy of one of the sport's most colorful and influential figures.

Jordan's family confirmed on Thursday that the charismatic Irish entrepreneur, who famously gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut, had succumbed to cancer. The news broke as teams prepared for the Chinese Grand Prix, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt messages from drivers and teams on social media.

"A very sad day," said Mercedes driver George Russell. "We have lost a true legend with a voice unlike any other in and out of the sport. My thoughts and condolences are with Eddie's family and loved ones at this time. Eddie, you will be missed by all of us and your impact will always be felt. We race this weekend for you."

A prolific career in motorsport

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Eddie Jordan was synonymous with motorsport. Initially pursuing a career as a racer, he experienced success in the Irish Kart Championship and competed in Formula Ford, Formula 3, and Formula 2, along with an appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

By the late 1970s, Jordan had shifted focus to team ownership, founding his own outfit which would rise through the ranks, eventually securing a place on the F1 grid in 1991. Michael Schumacher’s debut for Jordan in the same year remains one of his many notable achievements.

Throughout the years, Jordan's team became known for nurturing talent, with big names such as Rubens Barrichello, Damon Hill, and Jean Alesi racing under his banner. Hill secured the team’s first Grand Prix win at the rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, leading a 1-2 finish with teammate Ralf Schumacher.

Legacy and impact

The following year, Jordan’s team emerged as unexpected title contenders, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen driving them to further victories. Giancarlo Fisichella’s win at the chaotic 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix marked the team’s final triumph before Jordan sold his team in early 2005. The name "Jordan" disappeared from the grid, but his influence remained.

In 2009, Jordan transitioned to television, becoming a popular pundit for the BBC’s F1 coverage and later joining Channel 4. He remained a beloved figure off-track, known for his memorable insights and breaking significant stories, such as Lewis Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes.

Jordan also took on other roles in media and motorsport, including co-hosting the podcast "Formula For Success" with former BBC colleague David Coulthard and acting as a manager for design guru Adrian Newey. Outside of motor racing, Jordan had diverse interests, including music, golf, and the arts, and a significant portfolio of business ventures.

Condolences from the motorsport community

F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to Jordan, saying, "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."

Similarly, Ferrari's team expressed their grief: "Whether as a team boss or a TV pundit, he brought so much life and color to Formula 1. Behind the charisma, the smile, and the jokes, he was an astute businessman and a fearsome competitor. He will be very much missed by everyone in our sport."

Former Benetton team principal Flavio Briatore also shared his fond memories: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Eddie Jordan. Eddie was a great individual, who for decades always brought a smile to the entire F1 paddock. His presence across the entire F1 world will be greatly missed."

Many others, including Christian Horner, Lawrence Stroll, and Zak Brown, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Jordan's passion, vibrancy, and unparalleled contributions to the sport.

In a statement, Jordan's family expressed their profound sadness, noting his tireless work even during his battle with cancer. "EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy, and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow."

As Formula 1 mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, it is clear that Eddie Jordan’s legacy will continue to resonate throughout the sport for generations to come.