Alan Jones, 1980 Formula One champion, dies at 80
Alan Jones died on 5 November 2026 at age 80 after a short illness. He was the 1980 Formula One world champion, becoming the second Australian and the first Williams driver to win the title. Over his career he secured 12 Grand Prix victories, including five championship races in 1980, and also won the Australian Grand Prix at Calder Park Raceway that year.
Key facts
- Born in Melbourne on 2 November 1946.
- Made his Formula One debut at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix for Hesketh.
- His father Stan Jones won the 1959 Australian Grand Prix.
- Jones drove for Hesketh, Williams and Arrows.
- He is survived by his wife and six children.
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Why it matters
Jones was a pioneering Australian champion in Formula One history.
What changed
First published from ABC News (Australia), The Guardian, CNA and Yahoo Sports