'F1 has lost its chaotic genius': tributes pour in for Eddie Jordan

F1

F1 and the wider world have been paying tribute to Eddie Jordan following news of his death at the age of 76

Eddie Jordan in F1 paddock

Ker Robertson/Getty Images

Formula 1 teams continued preparing for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix with a “heavy heart” after news of Eddie Jordan’s passing, and have started sharing their tales and tributes in honour of the former F1 team boss who had a larger-than-life presence in the paddock.

Damon Hill and Martin Brundle are among those who raced for Jordan to make heartfelt statements, along with current F1 team principals and drivers; colleagues from his stint on Top Gear as well as those who worked with Jordan in his years as a TV pundit.

The 76-year-old had been suffering from an aggressive form of prostate cancer and died in Cape Town, with his family by his side. “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went,” said his family in a statement. “We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

 

Tributes from Eddie Jordan’s drivers

Damon Hill

1998-1999, Jordan GP

“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.

Damon Hill sprays Eddie Jordan with champagne on 1998 Belgian GP podium

Damon and Eddie celebrate Jordan’s first F1 victory at Spa in 1998

“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.”

“I went to see Eddie in Chelsea before he left for South Africa and he knew he had a massive battle on his hands. But he never mentioned it, he wasn’t forlorn, yet it became clear that this would not be something he would overcome. It was as serious as it got. And when he invited us round it was his way of saying goodbye.

“I was asked to stand in for him on his podcast with David [Coulthard] in Australia last week, and you know when you aren’t well enough to present a podcast that it must be serious.”

Martin Brundle

1983, Eddie Jordan Racing (F3)
1996, Jordan GP

“He’s such a character, and we’ll miss him a lot.

“I first raced for Eddie in Formula 3 in 1983 when we hardly had a pound between us, and somehow he hustled and got the car and transporter and everything together, and we had a great season. And that sums him up.

Eddie Jordan with Martin Brundle at Donington Park in 1983

Jordan and Brundle at Donington Park in 1983

Sutton Images/Getty

“There are so many drivers in this paddock and formerly on the grid in Formula 1 that would need to thank him: the likes of Eddie Irvine and Alesi and many of us, where Eddie gave us a chance in junior racing and then promoted us like crazy to get us Formula 1 seats.

“I was lucky enough to drive for him in Formula 1 itself with the Jordan team to close the circle, just like many other drivers, such as Damon Hill, Ralf Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Giancarlo Fisichella, and  many, many other drivers who were given a chance because of Eddie and his entrepreneurial spirit and his racer’s mentality. Eddie Jordan was one of the biggest characters of Formula 1, absolutely irrepressible. And he came through the junior ranks. He was a driver himself, and then he had some teams in Formula 3, and eventually ended up in Formula 1. Won races. Everybody loved him. He was such a strong character to have around, great sense of humour. And then he had something really secret to tell you. And we will remember him for that, but the sport will be poorer without him because of what he achieved and what he stood for, and just what a racer he was.

Eddie Jordan with Martin Brundle in 1996

Brundle and Jordan together in F1 for the 1996 season

Getty Images

Takuma Sato

2002 Jordan GP

“So saddened… We have lost a great leader. I feel truly fortunate to have shared amazing moments with Eddie and am deeply grateful for his support. Many will miss his smile.”
via X

Pedro de la Rosa

1998 Jordan GP test driver

“Very sad to hear the passing away of Eddie Jordan, a true legend of our sport.

“Eddie gave me my first ever opportunity in F1, something I will never forget and will always remain grateful for.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.”
via X

 

TV colleagues pay tribute to Eddie Jordan

Karun Chandhok

“The first words that come to mind: big heart, a warm person, a tough businessman.

“He did a lot to try and get his team off the ground, did a successful job of that; a lot of wheeling and dealing. At his core, he was a lovable rogue really. Always greeted you with a big cuddle and a smile. Walking around the paddock today, there’s an air of sadness because people really do miss him, I think in general, there’s a heavy heart here today.

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Eddie Jordan obituary: F1’s last rock ‘n’ roll team boss
Obituaries

Eddie Jordan obituary: F1's last rock 'n' roll team boss

Eddie Jordan, who has died aged 76, was one of the biggest characters in Formula 1: a charismatic team boss to whom wheeling and dealing with sponsors came naturally; an incisive and unbridled TV pundit; and a man who remained a mover and shaker in the paddock until the very end

By Damien Smith

“The way to underline what an achievement [Jordan Grand Prix] was, is that if you look back over time, back to 1991 when he started his team, Jordan was really the last successful independent team to arrive in F1, Stewart came in with Ford, Haas came in with Ferrari, all the others fell by the wayside. Jordan was the only one that came in as a true independent. Eddie gambled really, put everything on the line, could have gone bust, but didn’t, and built them up to be challengers in 1999, sold the team in 2005 and had a fantastic 15 year run, made some good money out of it of course – as he deserved.

“He was a smart businessman and a fantastic person in terms of spotting drivers, He gave lots of young drivers a chance, Michael Schumacher made his debut there, as well as his younger brother Ralf: Rubens Barrichello, Eddie Irvine, Giancarlo Fisichella. A lot of young talent came through the Jordan team.”
via Sky Sports

Jake Humphrey

“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,” he said in a social media post.

“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.

Eddie Jordan with Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard

Left to right: Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan fronted F1 coverage for the BBC

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

“His greatest achievements were Miki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His incredible 4 kids who share his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest, most wonderful women I have ever met.

“The 4 years we spent together hosting F1 on the BBC were greatest of my career. Wing-walking, scooter riding, car driving madness that I know he loved deeply.”
via Instagram

 

Tributes to Eddie Jordan from current F1 drivers

George Russell

“A very sad day. We have lost a true legend with a voice unlike any other both in and out of the sport. My thoughts and condolences are with Eddie’s family and loved ones at this time.

“Eddie, you will be missed by all of us and your impact will always be felt. We race this weekend for you.”
via X

Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas with Eddie Jordan

Bottas on the podium with Jordan after winning the 2017 Russian GP

Sutton Images/Getty

“Rest in peace Eddie Jordan. Thank you for all the laughs over the years, all the good things you’ve done in your life, and in F1.”
via X

Carlos Sainz

“Extremely sad to learn that Eddie has passed away. A true icon and loved character of our sport. Passionate, loyal and truly one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. R.I.P.”
via X

 

F1 team principals and officials share their memories of Eddie Jordan

Christian Horner

Red Bull team principal

“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 1. His advice, ‘get a good sponsor… welcome to the Piranha Club!’

Eddie Jordan with Christian Horner

Horner with Jordan in 2014

LAT via Getty Images

“I was fortunate to overlap with him when I came into Formula One. He was in the twilight of his F1 career race wise (indeed he even tried to sell me his team!) but went into other activities where he was always full of energy and fun to work with. Formula One has lost a legend and we will miss his wit and his Irish charm.”
via Instagram

Zak Brown

McLaren Racing CEO

“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.”
via X

Flavio Briatore

Former Benetton and Renault team principal and Alpine advisor

 

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A post shared by Flavio Briatore (@briatoreflavio)

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Eddie Jordan. Eddie as 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 family and friends.”
via Instagram

Andy Cowell

Aston Martin team principal

“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.”

Stefano Domenicali

F1 CEO

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan.

“With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times. Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed.

“In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula 1 family are with his family and loved ones.”

 

Former Top Gear co-hosts remember Eddie Jordan

Rory Reid

 

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A post shared by Rory Reid (@mrroryreid)

Rest easy, Eddie Jordan. You always had time for me from day one… from racing boats off the coast of Monte Carlo, to trying to get me to freestyle rap while you played the spoons in Surrey… to doing everything you did for F1 and beyond. You left your mark. Legend.
via Instagram

Chris Evans

“Eddie sang from the hymn sheet that says ‘live life as deeply as you can every single day, every single day’.

“Because Eddie lived a thousand lifetimes and he was a real lover of life. If you really are a lover of life, then life loves you for it and gives you more.”
via Virgin Radio

 

Chris Harris

“Sleep well Eddie. You crammed more into life than just about anyone else.

“A pure force of nature. Funny, impish, clever, calculating and kind. They don’t make them like that any more. RIP.”
via Instagram

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