Eddie Jordan, Former F1 Team Boss and Pundit, Dies at 76

Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner and television pundit, has passed away at the age of 76.

Eddie was known for his larger-than-life personality and influence in the motorsport world before he sadly died in the early hours of this morning after battling aggressive prostate cancer.

In a statement, his family said:

“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 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months. 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. EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. 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 was also known for his outspoken, mischievous nature and success as an independent team owner. His Jordan Grand Prix team, which debuted in 1991, achieved four Grand Prix victories over 15 years and briefly contended for the 1999 drivers’ championship before being sold in 2005.

Following his team’s departure from F1, Jordan transitioned to television punditry, first with BBC Sport and later with Channel 4.

Motorsport and Beyond

Jordan was widely respected for his ability to spot and develop talent. His team provided career-defining opportunities for several future champions, including Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.

Beyond his achievements in F1, Jordan was recognised for his flamboyant lifestyle and friendships in the entertainment world. He even played drums in a band, Eddie & The Robbers.

One of his most famous moments in F1 came in 1991 when he handed Michael Schumacher his debut at the Belgian Grand Prix. Though Schumacher was quickly snatched up by Benetton, Jordan’s ability to spot talent became legendary.

After struggling financially in the mid-1990s, Jordan secured a major sponsorship deal with Benson & Hedges in 1996, propelling his team into the front ranks of the sport. By 1998, they were regularly challenging the top teams, with Damon Hill securing the team’s first victory in a dramatic, rain-soaked Belgian Grand Prix.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen’s strong performances in 1999 saw Jordan briefly contend for the drivers’ title, while their final victory came in 2003 when Giancarlo Fisichella won that year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Jordan Grand Prix was sold in 2005 and went through various transformations, eventually becoming today’s Aston Martin F1 team. Jordan’s influence remained strong in the paddock, and his last major contribution was brokering the deal that brought legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin in 2025.

Rest in peace Eddie.