In a heartfelt tribute, Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, expressed his sadness over the passing of Eddie Jordan, a motorsport legend, on March 20, 2025. Jordan, who made his mark as a team owner from 1991 to 2005, succumbed to cancer at the age of 76. Known for his vibrant personality, Jordan was pivotal in the careers of several F1 drivers, including Michael Schumacher, who made his debut with Jordan's team in 1991.
Hamilton shared his sorrow during a segment on talkSPORT, stating, “I’ve only literally just found out and it’s devastating news.” He reminisced about the last correspondence he had with Jordan, a cherished photo received during Christmas 2024. Hamilton highlighted Jordan’s kindness and 'good friend' nature, saying, “He was one of the biggest characters of F1 and he’ll be sadly and sorely missed, I’m sure.”
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, echoed those sentiments, stressing, “Formula One has lost an iconic character in Eddie.” In discussing Jordan’s impact, Horner noted his vibrant charm and charisma, stating, “He was a big character... gave so many drivers and engineers and technicians chances through his Jordan Grand Prix team, and he’ll be sadly missed.”
Jordan's team not only competed in but also thrived within F1, achieving notable milestones including four race victories and a near-run at the world title in 1999 with Damon Hill. Motorsport journalist James Allen revealed that Eddie and his wife, Marie, dedicated substantial resources to charitable initiatives like Home Away From Home, providing accommodation for families of children receiving treatment in London, illustrating the compassionate side of the flamboyant F1 figure.
Jordan’s cancer battle was disclosed in December 2024 when it became public that he had been diagnosed with both prostate and bladder cancer, which ultimately spread to his spine and pelvis. He passed away peacefully in Cape Town, South Africa. In a statement released by his family, they expressed profound sadness at his death, stating, “He was working until the last, having communicated on St Patrick's Day about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become patron.”
Further tributes poured in from across the motorsport community. David Coulthard, former F1 driver and long-time friend of Jordan, praised him as a “force to be reckoned with beyond what anyone could expect.” In a heartfelt message, Coulthard emphasized that Jordan was both a gift to F1 and to Ireland, stating, “You never knew quite where his madness would take you next, but you always got there with a smile on your face.”
Meanwhile, Damon Hill reflected on Jordan's chaotic genius, indicating that he enriched the lives of those around him, saying, “He had the energy of 100 men. There will only ever be one EJ. He left his mark on the sport.” Hill noted a poignant visit to Jordan in Chelsea before he left for South Africa, where it became clear that Jordan was aware of the gravity of his health struggles.
Horner wrapped up his tribute by extending condolences to Jordan’s family, asserting that his absence leaves a significant void in motorsport. “On behalf of Oracle Red Bull Racing, we send our sincere condolences to Marie and the children at this sad time; our thoughts are with them. God speed, Eddie!”
The loss of Eddie Jordan resonates deeply within the sports community, not only for his contributions as a team principal but also for his engaging personality that left a lasting impact on the sport and those who knew him. His legacy as a motor racing pioneer and philanthropic figure will undoubtedly be remembered in the years to come.
