Formula 1 is mourning Alan Jones, the Australian driver who claimed the 1980 World Championship with Williams and helped turn the British team into a title-winning force. Jones died on Thursday, three days after his 80th birthday.
Born in Melbourne on November 2, 1946, “Jonesy” made his first F1 appearance at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix in a Hesketh 308B. He would also race for Surtees, Hill and Shadow, claiming his maiden victory with the Shadow team at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix, but it is with Williams that he is most associated.
A favorite of team boss Sir Frank Williams and technical chief Sir Patrick Head, Jones took the team’s first podium at Watkins Glen in 1978 and their first pole position at Silverstone in 1979, finishing third in the standings in both 1979 and 1981. In 1980 he claimed five victories from 14 starts to become Australia’s second World Champion after Sir Jack Brabham, and 11 of his 12 F1 victories would come with the team. The car that delivered his title, the iconic white-liveried FW07 designed by Head, remains a permanent fixture at the Williams Heritage museum.
Williams said in a statement: “Everyone at Williams is deeply saddened to learn of Alan Jones’ passing. Alan was instrumental in making Williams what it is today, forming an extraordinary bond with Frank Williams and Patrick Head to become our first Drivers’ World Champion in just our fourth season in Formula 1. He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast, uncompromising racer with a challenger mentality who loved motor racing and dedicated his life to it. He is a true Australian icon and a Williams legend, and he will be dearly missed. We send our love and thoughts to the Jones family and all his friends.”
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali also paid tribute: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Jones, a true great of our sport and an extraordinary racer. Alan was a formidable competitor, a natural leader and an icon who inspired generations of fans, particularly in his beloved Australia. His place in Formula 1 history is assured, not least for bringing Williams their first Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in 1980, a defining moment for the team and our sport.”
Jones raced for Williams from 1978 to 1981, taking 11 wins from 60 starts and all six of his career pole positions, and ultimately left Formula 1 in 1986. He went on to enjoy a second career as a broadcaster in his native Australia.
Source: Williams Racing and Formula1.com, 5 November 2026.
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