The world of Formula 1 is mourning the devastating loss of legendary team owner and television pundit Eddie Jordan, who has passed away at the age of 76.
The Irishman was an icon in F1, best known for setting up and running Jordan Grand Prix between 1991 and 2005. He led the team to four victories and 19 podiums before selling to the Midland group in 2006.
The team’s iconic yellow livery was recognisable everywhere and some top F1 talents raced for them over the years, including Jean Alesi, Martin Brundle, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher whom Jordan gave his debut to in 1991.
After his time as a team owner came to an end, Jordan was seen regularly giving his outspoken views on F1 on the BBC’s coverage of the sport. He also ran a podcast with David Coulthard where he gave his analysis on all the major talking points in the paddock.
The Irishman was also a great storyteller, sharing some hilarious and interesting tales with Coulthard on the Formula For Success Podcast. Jordan once shared how Michael Jackson helped secure 7UP as a sponsor for his team after the pop icon cancelled his tour – 7UP had been sponsoring him at the time.
Tributes and touching messages have been flooding in on social media from former colleagues and current figures around the F1 paddock. Posting on Instagram, Christian Horner shared his memories of working alongside Jordan.
Christian Horner shares the advice Eddie Jordan gave him in his first year in F1 in a touching tribute
The Red Bull boss and Jordan crossed paths in the F1 paddock in 2005 when Horner joined the sport as team principal of the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Red Bull had just bought Jaguar while Jordan Grand Prix were to compete in their last season before becoming Midland.
When Jordan set up his F1 team in 1991, Horner was trying his hand at being a race driver, winning a Formula Renault scholarship that same year. The 51-year-old shared the advice he received from the Irishman about getting sponsorship.
His post on Instagram read: “Very sorry to hear Eddie Jordan has sadly passed. Eddie was a hugely colourful character who I first met in 1991 as a young driver at his then new factory after his first year in Formula One. His advice, “get a good sponsor… welcome to the Piranha Club!”
“I was fortunate to overlap with him when I came into Formula One. He was in the twilight of his F1 career race wise (indeed he even tried to sell me his team!) but went into other media activities where he was always full of energy and fun to work with.
“Formula One has lost a legend and we will miss his wit and his Irish charm. On behalf of Oracle Red Bull Racing we send our sincere condolences to Marie and the children at this sad time; our thoughts are with them.
“God speed Eddie!”
READ MORE: Martin Brundle pays tribute to Eddie Jordan after legendary F1 team owner’s death
F1 drivers pay tribute to legendary team owner Eddie Jordan after his passing
Horner led a number of tributes from current F1 drivers to Jordan after his passing. Haas driver Esteban Ocon posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I was lucky enough to know Eddie. A great character of our sport and an even better person.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Eddie.”
Williams driver Carlos Sainz also wrote on X: “Extremely sad to learn that Eddie has passed away. A true icon and loved character of our sport.
“Passionate, loyal and truly one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. R.I.P.”
George Russell wrote on his Instagram story: “A very sad day. We have lost a true legend with a voice unlike any other both in and out of the sport.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Eddie’s family and loved ones at this time. Eddie, you will be missed by all of us and your impact will always be felt. This weekend we race for you.
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