Alan Jones, Australia's 1980 F1 world champion, dies aged 80
Jones became the first driver to win a Formula One world title with Williams; his wife said he died after a short illness.
Key facts
Story- Alan Jones, the 1980 F1 world champion, died on the Gold Coast, aged 80
- His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, said he died after a short illness
- Jones was the first driver to win a Formula One title with Williams
Alan Jones, Australia's 1980 Formula One world champion, has died on the Gold Coast, aged 80. He died on Wednesday, 5 November, after a short illness, according to a statement released on behalf of his family.
His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, announced the death. "We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness," she said.
Jones was the 1980 World Drivers' Champion. He was also the first driver to win a world title with the Williams team, which he did in the same season. That made him the first Williams world champion, a milestone that still marks the team's history in the sport.
Jones raced in Formula One through the 1970s and early 1980s, competing for several teams before joining Williams. His title win in 1980 came in a season when Williams was building its reputation as one of the sport's leading teams.
Tributes from the wider motorsport community are expected to follow, as is typical when a former world champion dies. Funeral arrangements and whether the family plans a public memorial have not been announced.
The statement did not give further details of the illness. Official confirmation beyond the family's statement has not been made public.
Worth your time?
One tap helps idly bring you more of what matters.
Advertisement
