Australian F1 world champion Alan Jones dies aged 80
The 1980 Formula One world champion passed away on November 5 following a short illness.
Australian Formula One world champion Alan Jones died on November 5 at the age of 80, according to Telangana Today. The former racing driver passed away following a short illness, with reports indicating a recent cancer diagnosis.
Jones, who was born in Melbourne, secured the 1980 F1 drivers' world championship with Williams. He was the second Australian to win the title after Sir Jack Brabham and remains the last Australian to have achieved the feat.
The former champion recorded 12 Grand Prix victories and 24 podium finishes during his career. He is one of only five Australian drivers to have won a Formula One race, alongside Brabham, Mark Webber, Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri.
Motorsport Australia confirmed the death in a statement issued on behalf of his wife, Amanda Buter-Davis. Amanda said that Alan dedicated his life to motorsport and left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and globally.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) also paid tribute to Jones, noting that his 1980 victory at the Australian Grand Prix remains the last time an Australian driver won their home grand prix. Jones is survived by his wife and six children: Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.