Alan Jones, Williams’ first F1 world champion, dies aged 80

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Alan Jones, the Australian driver who won Williams’ first Formula 1 drivers’ championship in 1980, has died aged 80. His family confirmed that he died on Thursday 5 November following a short illness, three days after his birthday.

Jones won 12 grands prix and remains Australia’s most recent F1 world champion. He followed Sir Jack Brabham as the country’s second title winner, while his partnership with Frank Williams and technical leader Patrick Head helped establish the British team among the sport’s leading constructors.

Born in Melbourne on 2 November 1946, Jones made his F1 debut for Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. His first victory came with Shadow in Austria in 1977, before he joined Williams the following year.

He delivered the team’s first podium at Watkins Glen in 1978 and its first pole position at Silverstone in 1979. Eleven of his 12 F1 victories came in Williams machinery, including five wins during his championship season.

Those 1980 victories came in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States. Jones initially retired after winning the final race of the 1981 season at Caesars Palace, before making later returns. His final grand prix appearance came in Adelaide in 1986.

His racing career continued beyond F1. He competed in Australian touring cars, won the 1993 Bathurst 12 Hour and finished second in the 1995 Bathurst 1000 alongside Allan Grice. He also became a familiar voice on Australian television through his motorsport commentary.

Williams paid tribute to Jones’ role in shaping the team and his close working relationship with its founders. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Motorsport Australia also offered condolences to his family. Jones is survived by his wife, Amanda, and six children.