Remembering Eddie Jordan: A motorsport pioneer

Silverstone pays tribute to Eddie Jordan, the charismatic former Formula 1 team owner, entrepreneur, and respected broadcaster who has passed away at the age of 76.

The Irishman, known for his profound impact on the sport and roguish presence in the paddock, died peacefully surrounded by his family in Cape Town in the early hours of Thursday, 20 March 2025, following a battle with prostate cancer.

Here, we’ll look back at the incredible career of one of F1’s most memorable characters.

Eddie Jordan Racing: Humble beginnings

Jordan’s career in motorsport began not as a team owner, but behind the wheel of a go kart and he quickly made a name for himself by winning the Irish Kart Championship in 1971. 

Throughout the seventies, he moved through the ranks of Formula Ford, Formula Three, Formula Two and Formula Atlantic, winning the Irish Formula Atlantic Championship in 1978. 

After funds to pursue his own racing career dried up at the end of 1979, he founded Eddie Jordan Racing, establishing the team as a leading junior formula outfit in the eighties. 

In the infamous 1983 British F3 season, Jordan’s team took Martin Brundle to second place behind Ayrton Senna, while in 1987 and 1989, Johnny Herbert won the British Formula Three Championship and Jean Alesi the F3000 title respectively driving under the Jordan banner.

Jordan Grand Prix: Punching above their weight

Off the back of his success in lower formula, Eddie founded Jordan Grand Prix in 1991 and quickly established a foothold in the paddock with striking, iconic liveries and giant-killing performances. 

Over the course of 15 remarkable seasons, he led his team to four race victories, garnering a plucky underdog reputation and even emerged as title contenders with Heinz-Harald Frentzen in a standout 1999 season.

The team’s 1-2 finish at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, although not without controversy, remains a memorable and historic F1 moment as Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher brought home a statement result for a team that was punching many leagues above its weight. 

Amid mounting financial struggles and driver contract disputes in the early 2000s, Jordan Grand Prix still managed to pull off an unforgettable final win in Brazil 2003, by way of an FIA enquiry into the red flag that ended the race. Kimi Raikkonen – originally declared the winner in São Paulo – eventually presented Giancarlo Fisichella with the winner’s trophy, and Ron Dennis gave the constructor’s trophy to Eddie at the following round at Imola.

An eye for talent

Beyond his achievements on the track, Jordan was known for identifying and nurturing emerging talent, advocating for drivers like Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello – among many others – and giving them their shot in F1.

Expect the unexpected 

Following his tenure as a team owner and the sale of Jordan Grand Prix in 2005, Eddie transitioned into broadcasting, providing insight and often controversial opinions as a pundit for BBC Sport and later Channel 4. 

Never afraid to ruffle feathers, he continued to embody the rebellious spirit that had defined his team, wielding the microphone with an eccentric conviction that led to many a memorable broadcasting moment.

In 2023, Jordan reunited with former television co-host David Coulthard to launch the Formula For Success podcast, giving fans a lively blend of F1 insights and celebrity interviews, showcasing that same infectious charisma that had been present throughout his career.

A legacy not soon forgotten 

The Silverstone community and the wider motorsport world mourn the loss of Eddie Jordan. He has left an enduring legacy on the sport – and at Silverstone itself having been instrumental in establishing our first post-race concerts – which is a testament to a remarkable life and career. Eddie’s unique personality and passion for F1 will live long in the memory of those in the paddock.