Eddie Jordan, a legendary figure in Formula 1, passed away at the age of 76 in Cape Town, South Africa, in the early hours of March 20, following a 12-month battle with aggressive prostate cancer. Born in Dublin, Ireland, the former driver and entrepreneur turned his passion for motorsport into a remarkable career, first as a racer and later as the founder of the Jordan Grand Prix team, which left an indelible mark on the sport from 1991 to 2005. Known for his boundless energy and innovative vision, Jordan launched the careers of stars like Michael Schumacher and secured iconic victories, such as the 1-2 finish at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. His death leaves a void in the motorsport world, but his legacy endures in the hearts of fans and industry professionals alike.
Jordan’s journey in motorsport began on the karting tracks, where he claimed the Irish Kart Championship in the 1970s. After competing in categories like Formula Ford, Formula 3, and Formula 2, as well as racing at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, he established Eddie Jordan Racing by the end of that decade. The team steadily climbed the ranks, culminating in its Formula 1 debut in 1991, when Jordan gave Schumacher his first shot in the sport at the Belgian Grand Prix. Over the years, drivers such as Damon Hill, Rubens Barrichello, Jean Alesi, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen raced for the squad, cementing Jordan’s reputation as a talent spotter and a fierce competitor.
Even after selling the team in 2005, Eddie Jordan remained a fixture in Formula 1 as a pundit for the BBC and Channel 4, and later as co-host of the popular podcast “Formula For Success” with David Coulthard. More recently, he acted as Adrian Newey’s manager, brokering the designer’s early exit from Red Bull to join Aston Martin. Until his final days, Jordan stayed active, sharing plans for the London Irish Rugby Football Club, where he served as patron, in a St. Patrick’s Day message just three days before his passing.
🔴 ÚLTIMA HORA 🔴
Ex-dono de equipe na #F1, Eddie Jordan morre aos 76 anos https://t.co/5QfkIZZu1O #F12025 #F1noGP
— Grande Prêmio (@grandepremio) March 20, 2025
A life shaped by racing
Born in 1948, Eddie Jordan’s motorsport story started after he left a brief stint in banking to pursue his love for speed. His karting success paved the way for a racing career, but it was as a team owner that he truly shone. The Jordan Grand Prix entered Formula 1 in 1991 with limited resources, yet quickly made waves with bold moves and unexpected results. In 1998, Damon Hill delivered the team’s maiden victory at a rain-soaked Belgian Grand Prix, with teammate Ralf Schumacher securing second place for a historic 1-2 finish. The following year, Heinz-Harald Frentzen won two races and briefly contended for the championship, thrusting Jordan into the spotlight as a surprise contender.
The team’s laid-back, “rock and roll” vibe mirrored Jordan’s vibrant personality, bringing a fresh dynamic to the paddock. He blended sharp business acumen with a charm that won over sponsors, drivers, and fans alike. The team’s final victory came in 2003, when Giancarlo Fisichella triumphed in a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix under torrential rain. These wins, coupled with the discovery of future stars, established Jordan as an underdog force in Formula 1, often punching above its weight against wealthier rivals.
Eddie Jordan’s multifaceted career
After stepping away from team ownership, Eddie Jordan carved out new roles that kept him influential in motorsport. Joining the BBC’s Formula 1 coverage in 2009, he brought candid insights and entertaining anecdotes to viewers, famously breaking the news of Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2012—a shift that later redefined the driver’s career. He continued this role at Channel 4, maintaining his knack for engaging audiences with his wit and insider knowledge.
Beyond racing, Jordan’s interests were vast. A music enthusiast, he played drums and spoons in his band, Eddie & The Robbers, and embraced a lively lifestyle that included cycling, golf, and the arts. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to diverse ventures, including his recent involvement with the London Irish Rugby Football Club. Even as he faced cancer, Jordan’s determination shone through, as he continued working on projects until the very end.
Key milestones of Jordan in Formula 1
Eddie Jordan’s Formula 1 tenure is dotted with defining moments that shaped his legacy. Here are some standout achievements from his time in the sport:
- 1991: Michael Schumacher makes his Formula 1 debut with Jordan at the Belgian Grand Prix, stunning the motorsport world.
- 1998: Damon Hill secures the team’s first win at the Belgian Grand Prix, followed by Ralf Schumacher in second.
- 1999: Heinz-Harald Frentzen wins races in France and Italy, positioning Jordan as a title contender.
- 2003: Giancarlo Fisichella takes victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix, marking the team’s fourth and final triumph.
These accomplishments highlight how Jordan turned a small outfit into a respected competitor, driven by ingenuity and grit.
Influence beyond the track
Eddie Jordan’s reach extended far beyond his racing days. His collaboration with David Coulthard on the “Formula For Success” podcast offered a mix of behind-the-scenes tales and sharp analysis, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The show’s popularity underscored Jordan’s ability to connect with audiences in a fresh format, keeping him relevant in the sport’s evolving landscape.
More recently, Jordan played a pivotal role as Adrian Newey’s manager, negotiating the engineer’s move from Red Bull to Aston Martin. This deal echoed his earlier impact, as Aston Martin’s current setup traces back to the Silverstone base he sold in 2005. His involvement in such a high-profile transition reaffirmed his enduring influence in Formula 1, bridging his past as a team owner with the sport’s future.
Timeline of Eddie Jordan’s life
Eddie Jordan’s life was a series of bold moves and milestones. Here’s a look at key moments in his journey:
- 1948: Born in Dublin, Ireland, far from the racing world he’d later conquer.
- 1970: Wins the Irish Kart Championship, kickstarting his motorsport career.
- 1979: Founds Eddie Jordan Racing, laying the groundwork for his Formula 1 entry.
- 1991: Debuts in Formula 1 with Jordan Grand Prix and introduces Michael Schumacher.
- 2005: Sells the team, closing his chapter as an owner in the sport.
- 2009: Joins the BBC as a pundit, embarking on a media career.
- 2025: Passes away at 76 in Cape Town, leaving a rich legacy.
This timeline captures the arc of a man who lived for competition and never stopped pushing forward.
Tributes pour in for Jordan
The announcement of Eddie Jordan’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes across the motorsport community. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, praised Jordan’s tireless energy and his knack for bringing smiles, noting his starring role in an era of the sport. He added that Jordan’s absence would be keenly felt. In a statement, Jordan’s family expressed their deep sorrow, while celebrating the countless joyful memories he left behind.
Drivers like Damon Hill and Martin Brundle, who raced under Jordan’s banner, shared personal reflections. Hill recalled Jordan’s fighting spirit and ability to rally the team in tough times, while Brundle credited him for shaping his career and the sport at large. From fans to insiders, the Formula 1 world acknowledges the loss of one of its most colorful and impactful figures.

Eddie Jordan, a legendary figure in Formula 1, passed away at the age of 76 in Cape Town, South Africa, in the early hours of March 20, following a 12-month battle with aggressive prostate cancer. Born in Dublin, Ireland, the former driver and entrepreneur turned his passion for motorsport into a remarkable career, first as a racer and later as the founder of the Jordan Grand Prix team, which left an indelible mark on the sport from 1991 to 2005. Known for his boundless energy and innovative vision, Jordan launched the careers of stars like Michael Schumacher and secured iconic victories, such as the 1-2 finish at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. His death leaves a void in the motorsport world, but his legacy endures in the hearts of fans and industry professionals alike.
Jordan’s journey in motorsport began on the karting tracks, where he claimed the Irish Kart Championship in the 1970s. After competing in categories like Formula Ford, Formula 3, and Formula 2, as well as racing at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, he established Eddie Jordan Racing by the end of that decade. The team steadily climbed the ranks, culminating in its Formula 1 debut in 1991, when Jordan gave Schumacher his first shot in the sport at the Belgian Grand Prix. Over the years, drivers such as Damon Hill, Rubens Barrichello, Jean Alesi, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen raced for the squad, cementing Jordan’s reputation as a talent spotter and a fierce competitor.
Even after selling the team in 2005, Eddie Jordan remained a fixture in Formula 1 as a pundit for the BBC and Channel 4, and later as co-host of the popular podcast “Formula For Success” with David Coulthard. More recently, he acted as Adrian Newey’s manager, brokering the designer’s early exit from Red Bull to join Aston Martin. Until his final days, Jordan stayed active, sharing plans for the London Irish Rugby Football Club, where he served as patron, in a St. Patrick’s Day message just three days before his passing.
🔴 ÚLTIMA HORA 🔴
Ex-dono de equipe na #F1, Eddie Jordan morre aos 76 anos https://t.co/5QfkIZZu1O #F12025 #F1noGP
— Grande Prêmio (@grandepremio) March 20, 2025
A life shaped by racing
Born in 1948, Eddie Jordan’s motorsport story started after he left a brief stint in banking to pursue his love for speed. His karting success paved the way for a racing career, but it was as a team owner that he truly shone. The Jordan Grand Prix entered Formula 1 in 1991 with limited resources, yet quickly made waves with bold moves and unexpected results. In 1998, Damon Hill delivered the team’s maiden victory at a rain-soaked Belgian Grand Prix, with teammate Ralf Schumacher securing second place for a historic 1-2 finish. The following year, Heinz-Harald Frentzen won two races and briefly contended for the championship, thrusting Jordan into the spotlight as a surprise contender.
The team’s laid-back, “rock and roll” vibe mirrored Jordan’s vibrant personality, bringing a fresh dynamic to the paddock. He blended sharp business acumen with a charm that won over sponsors, drivers, and fans alike. The team’s final victory came in 2003, when Giancarlo Fisichella triumphed in a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix under torrential rain. These wins, coupled with the discovery of future stars, established Jordan as an underdog force in Formula 1, often punching above its weight against wealthier rivals.
Eddie Jordan’s multifaceted career
After stepping away from team ownership, Eddie Jordan carved out new roles that kept him influential in motorsport. Joining the BBC’s Formula 1 coverage in 2009, he brought candid insights and entertaining anecdotes to viewers, famously breaking the news of Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2012—a shift that later redefined the driver’s career. He continued this role at Channel 4, maintaining his knack for engaging audiences with his wit and insider knowledge.
Beyond racing, Jordan’s interests were vast. A music enthusiast, he played drums and spoons in his band, Eddie & The Robbers, and embraced a lively lifestyle that included cycling, golf, and the arts. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to diverse ventures, including his recent involvement with the London Irish Rugby Football Club. Even as he faced cancer, Jordan’s determination shone through, as he continued working on projects until the very end.
Key milestones of Jordan in Formula 1
Eddie Jordan’s Formula 1 tenure is dotted with defining moments that shaped his legacy. Here are some standout achievements from his time in the sport:
- 1991: Michael Schumacher makes his Formula 1 debut with Jordan at the Belgian Grand Prix, stunning the motorsport world.
- 1998: Damon Hill secures the team’s first win at the Belgian Grand Prix, followed by Ralf Schumacher in second.
- 1999: Heinz-Harald Frentzen wins races in France and Italy, positioning Jordan as a title contender.
- 2003: Giancarlo Fisichella takes victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix, marking the team’s fourth and final triumph.
These accomplishments highlight how Jordan turned a small outfit into a respected competitor, driven by ingenuity and grit.
Influence beyond the track
Eddie Jordan’s reach extended far beyond his racing days. His collaboration with David Coulthard on the “Formula For Success” podcast offered a mix of behind-the-scenes tales and sharp analysis, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The show’s popularity underscored Jordan’s ability to connect with audiences in a fresh format, keeping him relevant in the sport’s evolving landscape.
More recently, Jordan played a pivotal role as Adrian Newey’s manager, negotiating the engineer’s move from Red Bull to Aston Martin. This deal echoed his earlier impact, as Aston Martin’s current setup traces back to the Silverstone base he sold in 2005. His involvement in such a high-profile transition reaffirmed his enduring influence in Formula 1, bridging his past as a team owner with the sport’s future.
Timeline of Eddie Jordan’s life
Eddie Jordan’s life was a series of bold moves and milestones. Here’s a look at key moments in his journey:
- 1948: Born in Dublin, Ireland, far from the racing world he’d later conquer.
- 1970: Wins the Irish Kart Championship, kickstarting his motorsport career.
- 1979: Founds Eddie Jordan Racing, laying the groundwork for his Formula 1 entry.
- 1991: Debuts in Formula 1 with Jordan Grand Prix and introduces Michael Schumacher.
- 2005: Sells the team, closing his chapter as an owner in the sport.
- 2009: Joins the BBC as a pundit, embarking on a media career.
- 2025: Passes away at 76 in Cape Town, leaving a rich legacy.
This timeline captures the arc of a man who lived for competition and never stopped pushing forward.
Tributes pour in for Jordan
The announcement of Eddie Jordan’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes across the motorsport community. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, praised Jordan’s tireless energy and his knack for bringing smiles, noting his starring role in an era of the sport. He added that Jordan’s absence would be keenly felt. In a statement, Jordan’s family expressed their deep sorrow, while celebrating the countless joyful memories he left behind.
Drivers like Damon Hill and Martin Brundle, who raced under Jordan’s banner, shared personal reflections. Hill recalled Jordan’s fighting spirit and ability to rally the team in tough times, while Brundle credited him for shaping his career and the sport at large. From fans to insiders, the Formula 1 world acknowledges the loss of one of its most colorful and impactful figures.
