Legendary motorsport team owner Eddie Jordan, the man who gave Michael Schumacher his Formula One debut, has died at the age of 76 after a battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His family confirmed the news on Thursday, stating that he passed away peacefully in Cape Town, South Africa, surrounded by loved ones.
Known for his charisma, energy, and signature Irish charm, Jordan was a larger-than-life figure in the motorsport world. “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy, and Irish charm everywhere he went,” his family’s statement read. “We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Jordan’s passion for racing began in karting before progressing through Formula 3 and Formula 2. However, after a series of injuries, he transitioned from driver to team owner, a move that would cement his legacy in Formula One history.
In 1980, he founded Jordan Grand Prix, a team that quickly gained a reputation for nurturing young talent. In 1982, he gave Ayrton Senna his first-ever Formula 3 drive, and by 1991, Jordan’s team had made its debut on the Formula One grid. That same year, he handed Michael Schumacher his first F1 race, setting the German on a path to becoming a seven-time world champion.
Over the years, Jordan’s team became a proving ground for top-tier drivers, with the likes of Rubens Barrichello, Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, and Jean Alesi all donning the Jordan colors. His first Grand Prix victory came at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, with Hill leading a sensational 1-2 finish alongside Ralf Schumacher. The team’s best season came in 1999, when Heinz-Harald Frentzen mounted an unexpected title challenge, only to fall short to Mika Häkkinen. In total, Jordan Grand Prix secured four Grand Prix wins before he sold the team in 2005.
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Even after stepping away from team ownership, Jordan remained a beloved figure in the sport, becoming a popular pundit on British television. His infectious enthusiasm and bold insights made him a fan favorite. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan. With his inexhaustible energy, he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times. Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1, and he will be deeply missed.”
Beyond motorsport, Jordan played a key role in negotiating the surprise move of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull to Aston Martin earlier this year. He was also actively involved in rugby, spearheading a consortium to buy London Irish Rugby Football Club and recently becoming the club’s patron.
His family revealed that even in his final days, Jordan remained deeply committed to his work. “He was working until the last, having communicated on St. Patrick’s Day about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club,” they said.
Eddie Jordan’s passing marks the end of an era for motorsport, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of racers, team owners, and fans alike.
