We're very sad to hear that Eddie Jordan OBE has passed away. Many drivers owe their 'big break' to one of the most colourful, flamboyant characters we've ever had in the paddock. Our sincere condolences to his family & friends.
#RIPEJ
Early Life and Introduction to Racing
Born on March 30, 1948, in Dublin, Ireland, Eddie Jordan initially pursued a career in banking. A strike in Dublin led to his temporary relocation to Jersey, where he encountered kart racing for the first time. This experience ignited his passion for motorsport, prompting him to purchase a kart upon returning to Dublin and embark on a racing career.
Racing Career
Jordan's racing journey began in karting, where he clinched the Irish Kart Championship in 1971. He progressed to Formula Ford in 1974 and continued to climb the motorsport ladder, eventually competing in Formula Three and Formula Two. Although he achieved moderate success as a driver, his true impact on the sport would come as a team owner and manager.
Jordan Grand Prix
In 1991, Eddie Jordan founded Jordan Grand Prix, entering Formula One as a constructor. Despite being a relatively small team, Jordan Grand Prix quickly gained a reputation for competitiveness and flair. The team is notably credited with giving Michael Schumacher his Formula One debut in 1991. Over 15 seasons, Jordan Grand Prix secured four Grand Prix victories and played a pivotal role in the careers of several prominent drivers, including Rubens Barrichello, Eddie Irvine, and Damon Hill.
Post-Formula One Career
After selling his team in 2005, Jordan transitioned to a media career, bringing his insights and charismatic personality to audiences worldwide. He served as a pundit for the BBC's Formula One coverage from 2009 to 2015 and later joined Channel 4 in a similar capacity. Beyond broadcasting, Jordan was involved in various business ventures and continued to influence the motorsport industry through his commentary and analysis.
Personal Life and Legacy
Eddie Jordan was married to Marie (née McCarthy), a former Ireland basketball player, since 1979, and together they had four children. The family maintained homes in Cape Town, South Kensington, London, and Monaco. Jordan was also known for his philanthropic efforts, serving as a patron for the child cancer charity CLIC Sargent and the Amber Foundation, a youth charity.
In December 2024, Jordan publicly disclosed his diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate and bladder cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and faced his illness with characteristic determination. Eddie Jordan passed away on March 20, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, surrounded by his family.
Impact on Motorsport
Eddie Jordan's influence on Formula One and motorsport, in general, is profound. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, ability to spot and nurture talent, and his vibrant personality that brought a unique flair to the paddock. His legacy lives on through the drivers he mentored, the team he built, and the fans who admired his contributions to the sport.
For more detailed insights into his life, you may refer to his autobiography, "An Independent Man: The Autobiography," which offers an in-depth look at his journey in the racing world.“
"We were johnnie-come-latelys, noisy, brash, having a good time, giving the establishment two fingers,” Jordan recalled to Motor Sport. “So we got lots of attention, lots of value for our sponsors, and a huge fan base. We always measured our popularity by how much we could sell to the public – from stickers and clothing to subscriptions for our own team magazine.
By the late ’90s our merchandising revenues were virtually on a par with Ferrari, and streets ahead of McLaren. It was down to the bright yellow livery, the Hissing Sid [the snake painted on the car’s nose], the Page 3 girls draped over the cars, all that rock ’n roll. But we did the job, too. We won races.”
TV presenter Jake Humphrey, a friend and colleague of Eddie Jordan, added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "We kept in touch. I messaged him just recently after attending a Formula 1 race and said 'the sound, the smell, the heat today reminded me of our days together travelling the world.
"I love you brother, it was the greatest four years of my career, The impact you had on me was massive. My ambition and drive came from seeing what you did and how you did it.
Team Principal of Aston Martin, Andy Cowell: "Eddie Jordan was one of the all-time motorsport greats. He was a one-off, a wonderful human being, and a charismatic leader who founded this team and took it to F1 in 1991.
"His vision laid the foundations for us and he leaves a lasting legacy for the entire motorsport community. Today we pay tribute to a legend of the sport and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues."
Damon Hill said: "I was privileged to have won a grand prix" with Jordan, describing him as "gregarious" and "irreverent". He added: "There isn't a single person, in that era and since, that has not been positively impacted in some way by Eddie.
"He gave a huge amount to charity. He never stopped, he never wasted a single second of his life and he energised everyone he was near. It's a huge loss."
