Eddie Jordan, the charismatic Irish entrepreneur who made a lasting impact on Formula One, has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with prostate cancer. The news was confirmed by his family on Thursday, revealing that Jordan died in the early hours of the morning at his home in Cape Town, South Africa, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on March 30, 1948, Jordan began his career in motor racing’s junior series before transitioning to a driver manager and eventually founding his own Formula One team in 1991. His eponymous team, Jordan Grand Prix, was based at Silverstone and became a force to be reckoned with in the sport, running until 2005 before changing ownership and name to become Aston Martin.
Jordan’s team was known not only for its competitive spirit but also for its unique, vibrant personality. His infectious charisma, energy, and Irish charm made him a beloved figure within the Formula One paddock, and he introduced a “rock and roll” image to the sport, proving that racing could be both thrilling and fun. His team punched above its weight, consistently competing with long-established rivals and achieving remarkable success.
One of Jordan’s greatest legacies was giving Michael Schumacher his Grand Prix debut in 1991 at the Belgian Grand Prix. Schumacher would go on to become a seven-time world champion, but his first taste of F1 was under Jordan’s mentorship. The team also helped launch the careers of other F1 stars, including Ralf Schumacher, Damon Hill, and more.
Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, raced for Jordan in 1998 and secured a victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, a memorable achievement in the team’s history. Hill retired the following year but credited Jordan with giving him one of the most exciting and rewarding phases of his career.
Jordan’s passing leaves a void in the motorsport world. His family reflected on the profound impact he had, saying, “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy, and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.”
Formula One’s chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, expressed deep sorrow over Jordan’s death, calling him “a protagonist of an era of F1,” and acknowledging his ability to bring joy and authenticity to the sport.
While Eddie Jordan’s presence will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on through the memories and the countless contributions he made to Formula One.
