Vale Alan Jones

Supercars is saddened to learn of the passing of Australian motorsport legend Alan Jones, who passed away aged 80.

The 1980 Formula 1 world champion, Jones died this week after a short battle with illness.

Jones became the second Australian after Sir Jack Brabham to win an F1 title when he raced to victory with the decorated Williams team in 1980.

After F1, Jones returned home, racing in the Australian Touring Car Championship (now Supercars) between 1985 and 1998.

Jones famously completed a Glenn Seton Racing championship one-two in 1993, with Seton winning the first of his second drivers’ championships with his eponymous team.

In 19 attempts at the Great Race, Jones claimed two Bathurst 1000 podiums, finishing third with Colin Bond in 1988, and second with Allan Grice in 1995. Jones' last Bathurst start came in 2002, finishing seventh alongside Greg Ritter with Dick Johnson Racing.

He won five races in the 1980 F1 season to defeat Brazilian Nelson Piquet by 13 points, wrapping up the championship with a round to spare.

Jones won 12 Grands Prix in 117 appearances, his last start coming at the 1986 Australian Grand Prix.

He was born in Melbourne, and turned to racing after working for his father's Holden dealership. Jones was the father of late racer Stan, who won the 1959 Australian Grand Prix at Longford.

He also won the 1993 Bathurst 12 Hour and the 1978 Can-Am championship, and is also the last Australian driver to win the Australian Grand Prix, winning at Calder Park in 1980.

He received an MBE for his services to motor racing in 1980, and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. He was also among the inaugural inductees into the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2016, before being elevated to Legend status in 2019.

After racing, Jones worked in broadcasting, was an FIA stewards' adviser at selected events, and directed Australia’s A1 Grand Prix team, among several roles.

He is survived by wife Amanda, and children Zara, Jack, Camilla and Christian.

Supercars offers its condolences to Alan's family and friends.