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Motorsport UK was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Eddie Jordan OBE.

Born in Dublin, Eddie became one of the biggest characters in the sport, first as a mould-breaking team owner and more recently as a much-loved TV pundit.

Having trained as an accountant, Jordan worked in banking before discovering an inner passion for motorsport that would change his life forever. He bought a kart in 1971 and promptly won the Irish Championship before progressing up through Formula Ford and Formula 3 with some success.

Having run out of funds to go racing himself, he set up his own F3 team in the early 1980s. Martin Brundle, famously, finished runner-up to Ayrton Senna in an Eddie Jordan Racing-entered Ralt in 1983, and Johnny Herbert won the title for Eddie in 1987. Stepping up to F3000, the team then won another title with Jean Alessi in 1989.

Two years later Eddie Jordan was in Formula 1.

With a reputation for punching well above its weight, Jordan Grand Prix contested 250 Grands Prix over a 14- year period, recording four wins and finishing third in the Constructors’ World Championship with Damon Hill and Heinz-Harald Frentzen in 1999.

As well as bringing joy to the F1 paddock, Jordan Grand Prix was also renowned for its commercial nous, introducing partners such as 7 Up, Sasol, and Benson & Hedges to the sport.

Alongside his enviable reputation as a deal maker, Eddie Jordan was notable for developing driver talent. He gave both Schumacher brothers their F1 debuts and played a major role in the careers of many others including Eddie Irvine, Alex Zanardi and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Despite all its achievements as a‘ disrupter’ both on and off the track, Jordan Grand Prix began to struggle financially, and with sourcing a competitive engine supplier, and Eddie eventually sold the team to the Midland Group in 2005. The Silverstone-based team was subsequently sold to Spyker Cars, Force India and Racing Point before becoming Aston Martin in 2021.

The Benson & Hedges livery of the Jordan Grand Prix car

Eddie’ s knowledge and expertise – as well as his forthright opinions – saw him return to the F1 paddock as pundit for the BBC’ s Grand Prix programme and then as a lead analyst for Channel 4’ s coverage.

Whether behind the wheel, on the pit wall or behind the microphone, Eddie’ s unique personality and incredible enthusiasm always shone through. He will be remembered as one of motorsport’ s greatest personalities and a true ambassador who will be much missed right around the globe.

Back in 2024 he revealed he was being treated for bladder and prostate cancer and echoed calls from Sir Chris Hoy for people to get regularly tested.

A statement from Jordan’ s family read:“ It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.

“ He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76.

“ EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

Motorsport UK sends its deepest condolences to his family and many friends at this very difficult and sad time.

Rick Dikeman / Wikimedia Commons

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Eddie Jordan signing F1 Race programmes and the 1996 Montreal Grand Prix

Revolution- April 2025