Eddie Jordan, the charismatic Irish entrepreneur who launched Michael Schumacher’s Formula One career in 1991, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer at his home in Cape Town, South Africa, his family announced on Thursday.
Jordan, who later became a popular television pundit, entered the high-stakes world of Formula One with his Silverstone-based team in 1991. He remained in the sport until financial difficulties forced him to sell the team in 2005. After multiple ownership changes and rebrandings, the team now competes as Aston Martin.
In a heartfelt statement, Jordan’s family said, “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy, and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.”
Formula One Legacy of Eddie Jordan
Born on March 30, 1948, Jordan began his motorsport career as a driver in junior series before transitioning into driver management and eventually becoming a team owner. His Formula One team, known for its rock-and-roll image, brought glamour and excitement to the sport, with eye-catching publicity stunts and tabloid-worthy headlines. Despite its outsider status, Jordan’s team frequently outperformed expectations, taking on and sometimes beating long-established rivals.
Schumacher, then a relatively unknown driver competing in sports cars, made his F1 debut with Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps in 1991 after Belgian driver Bertrand Gachot was jailed for spraying a London taxi driver with CS gas. Short on funds, Jordan gave Schumacher the opportunity, helped by his manager’s negotiations and backing from Mercedes.
The German’s talent was immediately apparent, and he was swiftly signed by Flavio Briatore’s Benetton, where he won his first two world championships in 1994 and 1995. However, Schumacher’s younger brother Ralf spent two seasons with Jordan in 1997 and 1998.
Damon Hill, Britain’s 1996 world champion with Williams, also found success with Jordan, claiming a victory in 1998. The team’s peak came in 1999 when they finished third in the constructors’ championship behind Ferrari and McLaren, winning a total of four races throughout their history.
F1 fraternity reacts
In December last year, Jordan spoke candidly about his battle with aggressive bladder and prostate cancer, which had spread to his spine and pelvis, describing the “very dark days” he had endured. Despite his illness, he remained active, managing top F1 designer Adrian Newey and serving as a patron of the London Irish rugby club.
“Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali, a former Ferrari team boss, said he was deeply saddened. “With his inexhaustible energy, he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times,” said the Italian. “Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed.”
“Eddie Jordan was a true racer, a great leader and one of the biggest characters in our sport,” said Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll. “He was a friend who I have known for more than 30 years and I will miss him greatly.”
Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin paid tribute to a compatriot who he said “lived life to the full, facing his final days with the same courage and tenacity displayed throughout many years as an entrepreneur, F1 pioneer and TV pundit.”
With inputs from Reuters
