Australian Formula One World Champion Alan Jones Dies at 80
Alan Jones, Australia’s 1980 Formula One world champion, died on the Gold Coast on 5 November after a short illness. He was 80. His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, said the family would remember him for his achievements, passion and distinctive character, while thanking the friends, colleagues and fans who supported him throughout his life.
Born in Melbourne in 1946, Jones was the son of racer Stan Jones and followed his father into motorsport. After establishing himself in Britain, he made his Formula One debut for Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. His breakthrough came with Shadow, when he won the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix in wet conditions, becoming the first Australian to win a Formula One race since Sir Jack Brabham.
Jones joined Williams after Ferrari chose Gilles Villeneuve and helped turn the team into a leading force. He won four races in 1979, then took five victories in 1980 — in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States — to secure the Drivers’ Championship. That year he also won the Australian Grand Prix at Calder Park, a victory that made him the last Australian driver to claim the country’s race.
He continued racing after his 1981 retirement, returning to Formula One with Arrows in 1983 and Beatrice-Haas in 1985 and 1986. He later competed in Australian touring cars, sports cars, Le Mans and CART, making his final professional start at the 2002 Bathurst 1000. Jones also became a familiar voice as a commentator on Australian Formula One broadcasts.
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