The Formula 1 community is saddened by the death of Eddie Jordan, who passed away at 76. Jordan, a former team owner and TV pundit from Ireland, had been fighting bladder and prostate cancer since last year. In December, he shared that the aggressive illness had spread to his spine.
His family announced, “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE. He died peacefully with his loved ones in Cape Town on March 20, 2025.” Despite his illness, Jordan remained active and recently spoke about his plans for the London Irish Rugby Football Club, where he was a Patron.
Jordan started his Formula 1 journey in 1991 with his own team, Jordan Grand Prix. That same year, he gave Michael Schumacher his first F1 start, replacing Bertrand Gachot for the Belgian Grand Prix. Jordan’s team also introduced Eddie Irvine and Ralf Schumacher to F1. In 1998, Ralf and Damon Hill earned the team’s best finish, with Hill winning the Belgian Grand Prix.
Damon Hill remembered Jordan fondly, saying, “Eddie was chaotic but a genius. He had so much energy and a big heart. There will never be another like him.”
Jordan’s team achieved three more wins, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen winning two races in 1999. The team finished third in the Constructors’ Championship that year — their best result. The last win for the Jordan team came in 2003 when Giancarlo Fisichella won the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Known for his lively personality, Jordan also played drums in his band, Eddie & The Robbers. He had a strong friendship with former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Red Bull’s Christian Horner remembered Jordan as a colorful character, saying, “Formula 1 has lost a legend.”
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his sorrow, noting Jordan’s ability to make people smile and his genuine personality. He added, “Eddie was a key part of Formula 1’s history, and he will be missed.”
Jordan started racing in karting, winning the Irish championship in 1971. After a crash ended his dreams of being a driver, he started Eddie Jordan Racing in 1979, competing in lower racing categories before reaching Formula 1.
In 2006, Jordan sold his team due to financial challenges. The team went through rebranding and eventually became Aston Martin. Jordan then became a well-known TV analyst for BBC Sport and Channel 4.
Jordan is survived by his wife, Marie, and their four children. His energy, charisma, and passion for racing left a lasting mark on the sport.
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