In a heartbreaking announcement, the world of motorsport has lost a true legend. Eddie Jordan, the former Formula One team owner and beloved TV pundit, passed away on March 20, 2025, at the age of 76 after a long and brave battle with prostate cancer. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in Cape Town, surrounded by loved ones.
Diagnosed in December 2024 with an aggressive form of bladder and prostate cancer, which later spread to his spine and pelvis, Jordan had been facing this illness for more than a year. A statement from his family reflected the profound impact he had on those around him: “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.”
Jordan founded his own Formula One team in 1991, a venture that would change the landscape of motorsport. Under his leadership, the team secured four victories before he sold it in 2005. One of his most notable contributions was giving Michael Schumacher his debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of Schumacher's illustrious career in racing.
The crowning achievement for Jordan’s team came at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix when Damon Hill secured a sensational one-two finish, showcasing the team's competitive spirit and determination. Jordan’s ability to rally his team and produce such outstanding performances solidified his reputation in the sport.
After stepping back from team ownership, Jordan seamlessly transitioned to a role as a respected TV personality, providing sharp analysis and entertaining insights during race broadcasts on BBC and Channel 4. His affable personality and understanding of Formula One made him a fan-favorite commentator. He even made a brief appearance as a presenter on the iconic show Top Gear, demonstrating his multifaceted contributions to motorsport media.
Tributes poured in from across the racing community following the announcement of his passing. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan. With his inexhaustible energy, he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times. Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed.”
Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, shared fond memories of his early encounters with Eddie: “Eddie was a hugely colorful character who I first met as a young driver at his then new factory. His advice? ‘Get a good sponsor … welcome to the Piranha Club!’ Formula One has lost a legend, and we will miss his wit and his Irish charm.”
Even as he battled cancer, Jordan remained involved in the motorsport world, working on initiatives such as leading a consortium to purchase London Irish and helping facilitate Adrian Newey’s move from Red Bull to Aston Martin, proving that his passion for racing never waned, right until the end.
Sadly, 2025 has been marked by the loss of many notable figures, with Jordan's death following a string of heartbreaking announcements from the entertainment world and beyond. Earlier in February, Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, was found deceased at their Santa Fe home, igniting sorrow and shock among their fans.
Additionally, Harry Potter and Doctor Who actor Simon Fisher-Becker passed away at the age of 63 this month, reminding fans of the fragility of life even as they celebrate the legacies left behind. The entertainment community continues to mourn these losses, which highlight the profound impact these individuals had on their respective fields.
As tributes continue to pour in for Eddie Jordan, the motorsport community reflects on his lifelong dedication and incredible journey through the world of Formula One. His legacy as a brilliant team owner, a captivating communicator, and a larger-than-life personality will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.
His family has asked for privacy to grieve during this difficult time. Jordan’s conquests and triumphs will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of motorsport, a testament to the energy and passion he brought to every venture he undertook. Eddie Jordan will be sorely missed.
