Alan Jones, 1980 Formula One champion, dies at 80
Former world champion Alan Jones died on 5 Nov at age 80. He secured the 1980 Drivers' World Championship, becoming Williams' first champion and delivering the team's inaugural Constructors' title. Jones won 12 Grand Prix races in his career and made his Formula One debut at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with Hesketh. His 1980 victory at the Australian Grand Prix remains the last time an Australian driver won their home race.
Key facts
- Jones won five championship races in the 1980 season to clinch the title ahead of Nelson Piquet.
- During the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, five spectators were killed after a crash.
- Lella Lombardi finished sixth at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, the only female driver to score F1 points.
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Why it matters
Jones' achievements marked a historic milestone for Australian motorsport and the Williams team.
What changed
First published from Yahoo Sports, CNA, The Independent and ABC News (Australia)