Legendary Formula 1 team owner and beloved pundit Eddie Jordan has sadly passed away at the age of 76.
The Irishman was an incredible figure in the F1 paddock, whether that be on the pit wall or holding a microphone and giving his analysis on television. But Jordan is most known for his time as a team owner.
Jordan Grand Prix joined the Formula 1 grid in 1991 with Bertrand Gachot and Andrea de Caesaris as their first full-time drivers. Jordan handed Michael Schumacher his debut in the sport that year at the Belgian Grand Prix – as they say, the rest is history.
At that time, F1 were dominated by the ‘big four’ teams; McLaren, Ferrari, Benetton and Williams. The rest of the field struggled to catch up to the frontrunners – Jordan certainly were not expected to do that in their first season in 1991.
However, the iconic yellow cars showed they were a dark horse that could challenge for some top results. The team’s achievements, according to Gary Anderson, shaped F1 today.
Gary Anderson says Jordan Grand Prix finishing fifth in 1991 proved to F1 that small teams could compete
Anderson was a close friend and colleague of Jordan. He was headhunted by the Irishman to design Jordan Grand Prix’s first car in 1991, having previously worked for McLaren
Together, they guided the team to an impressive fifth-place finish in their debut season. Jordan scored 13 points – one more than Tyrrell in sixth – with de Cesaris finishing fourth twice in Canada and Mexico.
| Pos | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLaren | 139 |
| 2 | Williams | 125 |
| 3 | Ferrari | 55.5 |
| 4 | Benetton | 38.5 |
| 5 | Jordan | 13 |
| 6 | Tyrrell | 12 |
| 7 | Minardi | 6 |
| 8 | Dallara | 5 |
| 9 | Lotus | 3 |
| 9 | Brabham | 3 |
| 11 | Lola | 2 |
| 12 | Leyton House | 1 |
Speaking on the Off The Ball YouTube channel, Anderson shared how most small teams ‘disappeared’ off the grid after a few races in F1. Jordan proved that those teams were capable of competing if they were willing to ‘fight’ – something that has shaped the sport today.
“It is remarkable. I mean the thing that I think that Eddie, and to a lesser degree myself, did for Formula 1 was to prove to Formula 1 that a small tea could do well and it was worth fighting for,” he said.
“Before our campaign in 1991, I think most small teams just floundered, they were there for two or three races or whatever, half the season and then just disappeared.
“Together we fought the fight and we did finish fifth in the championship. As I say there was the big four at that time; McLaren, Ferrari, Benetton and Williams.
“It was hard to get in among the points but boy it was a good day when you did! Whenever you mixed in with those big boys on a Sunday afternoon and scored some big points, it was such an achievement.
“And I think that taught Formula 1 to a great degree what it is today, that if you’re willing to fight, get your head down and have a go, there is a chance you can actually do a good job.”
READ MORE: Eddie Jordan’s top 10 moments in Formula 1 from discovering Michael Schumacher to winning his first Grand Prix
Eddie Jordan achieved four wins with Jordan Grand Prix in F1
After finishing fifth in their first season, Jordan Grand Prix struggled at the back for two years before achieving their first podium with Rubens Barrichello at the 1994 Pacific Grand Prix.
Points finishes became more regular for the next few seasons, with Damon Hill securing the team their first win at the chaotic 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.
Hill will ‘never’ forget his first encounter with Jordan, describing it as an opportunity of a lifetime. The 1996 champion was the first driver to sign for Jordan and won the title.
In total, Jordan Grand Prix won four races in F1, the last coming from Giancarlo Fisichella at the 2003 Brazilan Grand Prix. Jordan sold the team to Midland in 2006 and still operates today as Aston Martin.
