Formula 1 News: Legendary Figure Eddie Jordan (1948

Edmund Patrick Jordan (Eddie Jordan), affectionately known as “EJ” to the motorsport world, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at the age of 76 in Cape Town, surrounded by his loving family.

The Irish entrepreneur, former Formula 1 team owner, and charismatic television pundit leaves behind an indelible legacy in the world of racing and beyond, having succumbed to a courageous battle with aggressive prostate and bladder cancer, diagnosed in early 2024.

Born on March 30, 1948, in Dublin, Ireland, to Eileen and Paddy Jordan, Eddie’s journey into motorsport began unexpectedly. A bank clerk by trade, he discovered kart racing during a stint in Jersey in 1970, igniting a passion that would define his life.

Eddie quickly made his mark as a driver, winning the Irish Kart Championship in 1971 and the Irish Formula Atlantic Championship in 1978. A serious crash in 1976 curtailed his driving career, but it only fueled his determination to remain in the sport he loved.

In 1979, Eddie founded Eddie Jordan Racing, a team that would nurture young talent and pave the way for his entry into Formula 1. By 1991, Jordan Grand Prix was born, a plucky independent outfit that punched above its weight in a sport dominated by giants.

Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, winning four Grands Prix and securing a historic 1-2 finish at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix with drivers Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher.

Perhaps his most significant contribution to F1 was giving a young Michael Schumacher his debut in 1991, a moment that launched the career of one of the sport’s greatest champions.

Eddie’s keen eye for talent saw the likes of Rubens Barrichello, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, and Giancarlo Fisichella flourish under his guidance. The team’s zenith came in 1999 when Frentzen finished third in the Drivers’ Championship, mirroring Jordan Grand Prix’s best-ever constructors’ result. Known for his vibrant personality and shrewd business acumen, Eddie sold the team in 2005 to the Midland Group, an entity that eventually evolved into today’s Aston Martin F1 team.

Beyond the pit lane, Eddie became a beloved figure in broadcasting, bringing his infectious energy and candid insights to BBC and Channel 4’s F1 coverage from 2009 to 2016.

His podcast, Formula For Success, co-hosted with David Coulthard, showcased his wit and wisdom until his final days. Eddie’s influence extended into other ventures, including managing design genius Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin in 2024 and leading a consortium to revive the London Irish rugby club.

A devoted family man, Eddie is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Marie, a former Irish basketball player, and their four children. Despite his global footprint—with homes in Ireland, London, Monaco, and Cape Town—Eddie remained a proud Irishman, honored with an OBE in 2012 for his contributions to motorsport and charity.

Eddie Jordan’s life was a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unyielding love for racing. His charisma lit up every room, and his legacy will endure in the roar of F1 engines and the hearts of fans worldwide. As he once urged on his podcast, “Go and get tested—don’t be stupid,” a final piece of advice from a man who lived boldly and cared deeply. Rest in peace, EJ.