Formula 1's 1980 world champion Alan Jones dies aged 80 after short illness

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion and Australia’s only driver to claim the title, died on the Gold Coast on 5 November following a short illness. He was 80.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, Jones’s wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, confirmed the news. “We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” she said. “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.”

Butler-Davis 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.”

Born in Melbourne in 1946, Jones was the son of businessman and racer Stan Jones, who won the 1959 Australian Grand Prix at Longford. Alan would repeat the feat at Calder Park in 1980, and he remains the last Australian driver to have won the race — considered the second-oldest Grand Prix in the world.

Jones made his Formula 1 debut at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with Hesketh before moving through stints at Graham Hill’s team and Surtees. His career appeared to have stalled until Shadow called, having lost lead driver Tom Pryce in a tragic crash in South Africa. Jones responded with a brilliant wet-weather drive to victory in Austria, passing Niki Lauda to become the first Australian grand prix winner since Sir Jack Brabham’s retirement.

Ferrari courted Jones for 1978, but Enzo Ferrari ultimately reneged on what Jones believed was an agreement and signed Gilles Villeneuve instead. Jones turned instead to Williams, a team Frank Williams and Patrick Head were building toward the front of the grid. The partnership proved transformative: Jones delivered Williams their first Drivers’ Championship in 1980, a title that anchored the team’s rise to become one of the sport’s dominant forces across the following decade.

Over his career, Jones claimed 12 grand prix victories and left a legacy that extended well beyond his championship year. “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,” Butler-Davis said. “He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.”