Eddie Jordan, Iconic F1 Team Owner, Passes Away at 76

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Eddie Jordan, the flamboyant former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix Formula 1 team, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 76 after a battle with aggressive prostate cancer. His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement.

His family announced, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit, and entrepreneur. He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20 March 2025.”

Known for his charismatic and mischievous persona, Jordan founded his F1 team in 1991 and achieved notable successes, including four grand prix victories over his team’s 15-year history. The pinnacle of Jordan’s team came in 1999 when it briefly challenged for the drivers’ championship.

Jordan’s journey in Formula 1 was dotted with significant milestones. He gave future world champion Michael Schumacher his debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix after an incident involving then-driver Bertrand Gachot. Following a challenging period for sponsorships, Jordan secured a pivotal deal with Benson & Hedges in 1996, which enabled the team to develop into a competitive force.

In a statement, Jordan’s family reflected on his legacy, saying, “He was working until the last, having communicated on St. Patrick’s Day about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become patron.”

Jordan’s impressive career included famous victories, such as Damon Hill’s win at the rain-affected 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, where the team achieved a historic 1-2 finish. Later drivers, including Heinz-Harald Frentzen, continued this success, with the team finishing third in the constructors’ championship in 1999.

Despite selling his team in 2005 to become Midland Racing, Jordan remained a significant figure in motorsport, transitioning to television punditry. He was influential in shaping public perceptions of Formula 1 and was known for breaking news before its formal announcement, such as Lewis Hamilton’s dramatic move to the Mercedes team in 2012.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his condolences in a statement, remarking, “With his inexhaustible energy, he always knew how to make people smile… Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1, and he will be deeply missed.”

A lover of the spotlight, Jordan also pursued a music career, playing drums in the band Eddie & The Robbers, which showcased his colorful personality and showbiz connections. He leaves behind a legacy of passion for motorsport and cherished memories for fans and colleagues alike.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Jordan’s family concluded their statement with an expression of gratitude, saying, “He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

Jordan’s involvement with Formula 1, his vibrant personality, and his commitment to nurturing the careers of aspiring drivers have solidified his place in the annals of motorsport history.