Eddie Jordan, Esteemed Former F1 Team Principal, Passes Away at 76
Eddie Jordan, former Formula One team principal and co-owner of London Irish, has died at 76 after a battle with cancer. His contributions to motorsport, particularly through Jordan Grand Prix, are celebrated, leaving a legacy of inspiration. Both his family and Formula One figures express deep sadness over his passing, honoring his charismatic and impactful presence.
Eddie Jordan, the esteemed former Formula One team principal and co-owner of London Irish rugby club, has passed away at the age of 76. Despite his earlier announcement in December about responding positively to treatment for aggressive bladder and prostate cancer, the illness tragically returned with severity. Mr. Jordan died in South Africa, where he resided part-time.
The Jordan family expressed their heartache, stating, “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy, and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”
Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula One, conveyed his sadness over Jordan’s passing, emphasizing, “With his inexhaustible energy, he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.” Jordan had founded Jordan Grand Prix in 1991 and became a prominent figure during the 1990s. The team’s finest achievement was when drivers Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished first and second at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1998.
The team enjoyed further success in 1999 but began to wane in the 2000s following the loss of crucial sponsorships and partnerships, leading to its sale to Midland in 2005. Born in Dublin in 1948, Eddie Jordan remained influential in motorsport as a television pundit and podcaster, uplifting fans with his engaging media presence. Notably, he played a key role in Adrian Newey’s transfer from Red Bull to Aston Martin.
Recently, he led a consortium to acquire London Irish, which had faced financial difficulties. Jordan’s family confirmed he passed peacefully in Cape Town on 20 March 2025. They described his remarkable journey from racing in lower categories to creating Jordan Grand Prix, known for its vibrant and energetic image, contributing significantly to the careers of future champions like Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.
Eddie Jordan leaves behind a legacy characterized by his entrepreneurial spirit and love for the sport, along with his wife, Marie, and their children: Zoe, Miki, Zak, and Kyle. His absence will be keenly felt in Formula One and beyond.
The family encapsulated his legacy with these words: “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.”
In conclusion, the passing of Eddie Jordan marks a profound loss for the Formula One community and the world of sports. His contributions to motorsport, from founding Jordan Grand Prix to inspiring future champions, are a testament to his enduring legacy. His dynamic personality and entrepreneurial ventures will be remembered, as will his role in encouraging others to pursue their passions. The void left by his absence will surely be felt.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
