Eddie Jordan: F1's Maverick Mind and Beloved Pundit Passes at 76

Eddie Jordan, a vibrant and widely admired former Formula 1 team owner and media personality, passed away at 76. The charismatic Irishman succumbed to aggressive prostate cancer early Thursday morning.

His family released a statement saying: “We announce the loss of Eddie Jordan OBE with profound sadness. Eddie, renowned as an ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit, and entrepreneur, passed peacefully surrounded by family in Cape Town on March 20, 2025.”

Known globally for his lively and playful demeanor, Jordan achieved notable success as an independent team owner. His team, debuting in 1991, clinched four Grand Prix wins over 15 years in the field, briefly contending for the drivers’ championship in 1999 before a downturn led to its sale in 2005.

Transitioning to television, Jordan became a prominent pundit, initially for BBC Sport and later for Channel 4, where his frank opinions and knack for breaking major stories stood out. Former world champion Damon Hill, who drove Jordan’s team to its first Grand Prix victory in 1998, reflected: “Eddie had a significant impact on me and countless others in motorsport and beyond. There will never be another quite like him.”

In a touching family statement, they noted: “Eddie worked tirelessly up to the end, sharing his visions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, where he had recently been named patron, on St Patrick’s Day. Eddie and Jordan Grand Prix were synonymous with a rock and roll spirit, injecting excitement into F1 while consistently exceeding expectations. Many successful F1 drivers owe Eddie their start, including world champions like Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill. Eddie’s charisma, energy, and Irish charm left an indelible mark everywhere. His absence leaves a vast void, yet he gifted us with joyous memories to cherish amid our grief.”

Hill expressed his honor at winning a Grand Prix under Jordan, describing him as “gregarious” and “irreverent.” He added: “Eddie’s positive influence resonated profoundly, and his philanthropic efforts were immense. He was relentless and made every moment count, energizing those around him. His loss is immense.”

Jordan’s flamboyant lifestyle and celebrity connections were well-known. He also drummed for Eddie & The Robbers, reflecting his colorful business reputation. Jordan famously debuted Schumacher at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, although Schumacher was quickly enticed away by Benetton. Overcoming funding struggles, Jordan secured a vital sponsorship with Benson & Hedges in 1996, bolstering the team into competitive form. By mid-1998, they were rivaling top teams, celebrating their first victory with Hill during a rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, replacing Hill at Williams, garnered two more victories for Jordan in 1999, briefly contending for the championship. The team’s last victory was Fisichella’s triumph at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, a chaotic, rain-soaked event initially awarded to McLaren’s Raikkonen but later confirmed for Jordan on countback. The team eventually sold to Alex Shnaider in 2005, evolving into Midland Racing, then Force India, Racing Point, and now Aston Martin. Jordan’s final major F1 influence involved negotiating Adrian Newey’s transition to Aston Martin, a friend whose career moves Jordan had managed following his departure from Red Bull. F1 chief Stefano Domenicali mourned Jordan’s passing, acknowledging: “His boundless energy always elicited smiles, and his authenticity and brilliance were ever-present. Eddie was an era’s iconic F1 figure and will be sorely missed. In our grief, the entire Formula 1 community extends its sympathies to his family and loved ones.”