The Formula 1 world is reeling from the loss of Eddie Jordan, who passed away at 76 in the early hours of Thursday surrounded by his family in Cape Town, South Africa.
From 1991 to 2005, his Jordan Grand Prix team contested 250 races, clinching four victories and launching the careers of legends like Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.
Later, as a coomentator for BBC Sport and Channel 4, he brought his boundless energy to millions. As news of his death spread, tributes poured in, painting a portrait of a man who won not just races, but hearts.
Jordan’s family captured the collective sentiment in their statement: “He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”
From former colleagues to rival team bosses, the outpouring of grief and admiration reflects the breadth of his impact—a testament to a life lived with unbridled passion.
A Broadcaster’s Heartfelt Goodbye
Few knew Eddie’s warmth and exuberance like Jake Humphrey, the former BBC Sport presenter who shared the F1 spotlight with him. In a deeply emotional post on X, Humphrey wrote:
“Utterly devastated. EJ has left us. Formula 1 won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races. More important than race wins though, he won hearts. I will never forget how his face would always light up whenever he saw a Jordan GP jacket, flag or cap… as we travelled the world together years after the team had been sold.”
Humphrey’s tribute turned personal as he celebrated Jordan’s family:
“His greatest achievements were Mikki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak, his incredible four kids who share his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest, most wonderful women I have ever met.”
Reflecting on their time together, he added, “The four years we spent together hosting F1 on the BBC were the greatest of my career. Wing-walking, scooter riding, car driving madness that I know he loved deeply. His incredible spirit and love of life lives on in me, and my children who were lucky enough to meet him and hear all about him.
“The world seems a little less bright this morning. Farewell friend. Play the spoons up there for me.” Humphrey’s words echo a universal truth: Eddie’s light was one of a kind.”
A Rival’s Respect
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, offered a tribute steeped in nostalgia and respect.
“Very sorry to hear Eddie Jordan has sadly passed. Eddie was a hugely colourful character who I first met in 1991 as a young driver at his then new factory after his first year in Formula One,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I was fortunate to overlap with him when I came into Formula One… he even tried to sell me his team! but went into other media activities where he was always full of energy and fun to work with.”
Horner concluded with a nod to Jordan’s enduring presence: “Formula One has lost a legend and we will miss his wit and his Irish charm. 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!”
From Foe to Friend
Flavio Briatore, once a fierce rival as a fellow F1 team boss, spoke of a bond that transcended competition.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Eddie Jordan,” Briatore said. “Eddie was a great individual, who for decades always brought a smile to the entire F1 paddock.
“I have fond memories of the time spent on and off the track with Eddie and his presence across the entire F1 world will be greatly missed. At this sad time, my thoughts are with his friends and family.”
What began as rivalry matured into friendship, a testament to Eddie’s ability to charm even those across the pit wall.
The Driver Who Made History
Damon Hill, who delivered to the Jordan team its maiden F1 victory at the rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, summed up Eddie’s essence to the PA news agency:
“Eddie was chaotic and a genius all at the same time. He had the energy of 100 men. He created so much joy and had a massive heart. There will only ever be one EJ.
“He left his mark on the sport. He came from nothing, he worked his way up by using his cunning and guile. And by his own admission, it wasn’t because of his good looks but because he was undeniable.”
©TheCahierArchive
Hill’s tribute brimmed with affection: “He had a way of getting himself into your life. He was extraordinary and brilliant. He had a lovely family and he enriched life all around him. My heart goes out to them. The sport has lost a true legend and we have lost a true friend.”
Eddie Jordan’s death dims the F1 paddock, but the tributes flooding in ensure his spirit races on. From the hustle that built a winning team to the laughter that filled broadcast booths, he was a maverick who lived boldly and loved deeply.
As Humphrey urged, perhaps Eddie’s greatest lesson is to “be the light in the room”—a light that will flicker in memory forever.
All at McLaren are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Jordan.
Eddie was a vibrant figure who always wore his heart on his sleeve. His passion for Formula 1 was enormous and he leaves an incredible legacy.
All of our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MSmRmk8zB6
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) March 20, 2025
All at McLaren are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Jordan.
Eddie was a vibrant figure who always wore his heart on his sleeve. His passion for Formula 1 was enormous and he leaves an incredible legacy.
All of our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MSmRmk8zB6
RIP my friend. Condolences to each and every one of your lovely family. What a character. What a rock star. What a racer. So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us. pic.twitter.com/7yexhsxC0h
— Martin Brundle OBE (@MBrundleF1) March 20, 2025
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 20, 2025
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