F1 champion Alan Jones dies aged 80, remembered for a life dedicated to motorsport
A landmark Formula 1 title
Jones won his first race for Shadow in Austria in 1977, then joined Williams the following year. He became the first driver to win the Formula 1 world title for the team and the second Australian champion, after Jack Brabham.
Jones won 12 grands prix during his career. He was third in the drivers' standings in 1981, winning in Las Vegas in what proved to be his final race victory, and retired at the end of that season.
Racing beyond Formula 1
He completed his Formula 1 career with Haas in 1986. His father, Stan, had won the 1959 Australian Grand Prix.
A lasting mark on the sport
A tribute said Jones would be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those close to him and by fans whose support he appreciated. The tribute also praised his achievements, passion and distinctive character, saying his impact extended across Australia and internationally.
Key points
- He was the second Australian to win the championship, following Jack Brabham.
- Jones claimed 12 grands prix victories and continued racing until 2002.
- He later became a popular television motorsports pundit in Australia.