Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan dies aged 76

by · DW

He ran his own Jordan team in F1 and became a popular pundit on TV after selling the team in 2005.

Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has died aged 76, his family announced on Thursday.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur," his family said in a statement.

The family said Jordan "passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town" early Thursday.

He had been battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

'An abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm' — family statement

"EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence," Jordan's family said.

In the 1990s and 2000s, he owned his own Jordan team in Formula 1 and later became a well-known pundit on television after selling the team in 2005.

Jordan is also know for giving future seven-time champion Michael Schumacher his first race in F1.

Jordan gave Schumacher his break in F1 because his regular driver Bertrand Gachot was sentenced to prison for assaulting a London taxi driverImage: Ronco/HOCH ZWEI/picture alliance

A peak period for the team was when drivers Damon Hill and Schumacher's younger brother Ralf secured a 1-2  finish in the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

"I can hardly believe that you have lost the fight against the illness. Many thanks that you gave me the opportunity to start my F1
career in your team. I will be forever grateful," the younger Schumacher brother said on Instagram. 

Another former Jordan driver, Martin Brundle, posted on social media. "RIP my friend. Condolences to each and every one of your lovely family. What a character. What a rock star. What a racer. So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us."

F1 'deeply saddened' by Jordan's passing

F1 marked Jordan's passing with a post on X which read: "Eddie Jordan: A legendary team owner, and an all-round entertainer in the F1 family." 

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan," said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times." Domenicali said.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse