Formula One world champion Alan Jones dies after ‘short illness’

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula One world champion, has died aged 80 after a “short illness”, his family said on Thursday.

He remains the last Australian to win the F1 title and was only the second Australian to win the championship after Sir Jack Brabham.

He topped the podium 12 times during a career that took in spells with Hesketh, Williams – with whom he won his title – and Arrows.

“We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” his wife Amanda Butler-Davis said in a statement issued through Motorsport Australia.

“He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.

“Alan dedicated his life to motorsport, building a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way.

Alan Jones, Stirling Moss, and Jack Brabham (AP)

“Through his achievements, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe.

“As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan’s journey for the many years of friendship, love and support. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.”

Jones grew up in Australia as the son of a successful amateur racing driver and moved to Britain in the late 1960s, funding his journey toward F1 by buying and selling old vans.

Jones drove for a series of small teams when he arrived in F1. His first win for Shadow in 1977 from 14th on the grid came as such a surprise to organisers of the Austrian Grand Prix that they hadn’t prepared a recording of the Australian national anthem for the podium ceremony.

After an unsuccessful title defence in 1981, he headed back to Australia and bought a farm. Homesickness and a dislike for the British weather played a part.

Still, Jones was soon bored of his new life as a cattle breeder and made a one-off F1 comeback in 1983 with Arrows before returning with Haas — no relation to the current F1 team of the same name. The car wasn’t competitive and Jones had a best finish of fourth before leaving F1 again in 1986.

Away from F1, Jones won the 1978 Can-Am sportscar title and was third in his only IndyCar race in 1983. Jones kept racing in Australia’s V8 Supercars series until 2002, when he was 55.

Jones stayed around the paddock as a TV commentator and race steward but was critical of modern drivers, who he called “prima donnas” and “too corporate.”

Jones is survived by his wife and six children.

Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.