Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner, has died at the age of 76.
Jordan founded Jordan Grand Prix, which competed in F1 from 1991 to 2005. He was also previously a shareholder in Celtic Football Club.
Last year, Jordan disclosed his diagnosis with an aggressive form of cancer, revealing that he was battling bladder and prostate cancer that had spread to his spine and pelvis.
A statement from his family on Thursday announced: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the news of the death of Eddie Jordan OBE, former Formula 1 team principal, broadcaster, and entrepreneur.’
‘He passed away peacefully with his family in Cape Town in the early hours of March 20, 2025.’
The statement continued: ‘Eddie’s charisma, energy, and Irish charm were infectious. His absence leaves a significant void in our lives, and he will be dearly missed by many. We are left with countless wonderful memories to cherish during this time of grief.’
Jordan’s team achieved four victories, notably the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix where Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher secured a 1-2 finish in wet conditions.
Michael Schumacher began his Formula 1 career with Jordan at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, before achieving a record-breaking seven world championship titles.
After selling his team in 2005, Jordan remained a prominent figure in F1 as a commentator for broadcasters and also managed the renowned F1 designer Adrian Newey.
In the past year and a half, Jordan played a role in Newey’s move from Red Bull to Aston Martin. Beyond Formula 1, Jordan led a consortium to rescue the London Irish rugby club from administration.
Martin Brundle’s Tribute to Eddie Jordan
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle shared his thoughts:
‘I am deeply saddened by Eddie’s passing. He had been unwell for some time, but his death came relatively quickly. He was a truly unique character, and he will be greatly missed.’
‘My first racing experience with Eddie was in F3, when we were both short on funds. He managed to pull everything together, securing a car and making our season a success. That was typical of Eddie.’
‘Many drivers in Formula 1 owe Eddie a debt of gratitude. He gave opportunities in junior racing to talents like myself and Jean Alesi, actively promoting us to secure F1 seats.’
‘I was fortunate to drive for his Jordan team in F1, completing the circle. Numerous drivers, including Damon Hill, Ralf Schumacher, Giancarlo Fisichella, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, were given their chance thanks to Eddie’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for racing.’
‘The sport will feel his absence deeply due to his achievements, his principles, and his genuine love for racing.’
Formula 1 Community Pays Tribute to Jordan
F1 President Stefano Domenicali stated: ‘We are profoundly saddened by the news of Eddie Jordan’s passing.’
‘His boundless energy and ability to bring smiles to people’s faces were constant traits, along with his genuine and brilliant personality.’
‘Eddie was a key figure in Formula 1 history, and he will be greatly missed. During this sad time, my thoughts and the thoughts of the entire Formula 1 family are with his loved ones.’
The current Aston Martin team traces its origins back to Jordan in 1991, evolving through Spyker, Force India, and Racing Point over the past two decades, always maintaining its base in Silverstone.
Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell commented: ‘Eddie Jordan was a true great of motorsport. He was unique, a wonderful person, and a charismatic leader who established this team and brought it to Formula 1 in 1991.’
‘His vision laid the groundwork for our team, and his legacy in motorsport is significant. Today, we honor a legend of the sport, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Eddie Jordan: 1948-2025
Born in Dublin on March 30, 1948, Jordan grew up in Ireland and was a passionate karter in his youth.
Despite several injuries in single-seater racing, he competed at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 1981.
In 1979, Jordan founded Eddie Jordan Racing to compete in Formula 3, providing opportunities for drivers to progress to F1.
Known as ‘EJ,’ he managed his own Jordan team in F1 from 1991 to 2005. His humor, strong opinions, and distinctive style made him a popular TV pundit after selling his team in 2005.
In his first F1 season as a team owner, Jordan gave Michael Schumacher his Formula 1 debut at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Other notable drivers for Jordan included Damon Hill, who won the 1996 championship with Williams, future Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who finished third in the championship for Jordan in 1999.
After further sales and name changes since Jordan’s departure from the grid in 2005, the team now races as Aston Martin.
Jordan also served as manager for car design icon Adrian Newey during his move from Red Bull to Aston Martin last year.
Beyond F1, Jordan became a shareholder in Celtic Football Club in 2001 and led a consortium earlier this year to save London Irish rugby club.
He was also a drummer and enjoyed cycling and sailing.
Further tributes are expected for Jordan at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Marcus Prine