Motorsport UK is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Eddie Jordan OBE.

Born in Dublin, Eddie became one of the biggest characters in the sport, first as a mould-breaking team owner and more recently as a much-loved TV pundit.

Having trained as an accountant, Jordan worked in banking before discovering an inner passion for motorsport that would change his life forever. He bought a kart in 1971 and promptly won the Irish Championship before progressing up through Formula Ford and Formula 3 with some success.

Having run out of funds to go racing himself, he set up his own F3 team in the early 1980s. Martin Brundle, famously, finished runner-up to Ayrton Senna in an EJR entered Ralt in 1983 and Johnny Herbert won the title for Eddie in 1987. Stepping up to F3000, the team then savoured further title winning glory with Jean Alessi in 1989.

Two years later Eddie Jordan was in Formula 1 giving Michael Schumacher his big break in his team’s debut season on the Grand Prix grid.

With a reputation for punching well above its weight, Jordan Grand Prix contested 250 Grands Prix over a 14 year period, recording four wins and finishing third in the Constructors’ World Championship with Damon Hill and Heinz-Harald Frentzen in 1999.

As well as bringing joy to the F1 paddock, Jordan Grand Prix was also renowned for its commercial nous, introducing partners such as 7 Up, Sasol and Benson & Hedges to the sport.

Alongside his enviable reputation as a deal maker, EJ was notable for developing driver talent. He gave both Michael and Ralf Schumacher their F1 debuts and played a major role in the careers of many others including Eddie Irvine, Alex Zanardi and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Despite all its achievements as a ‘disrupter’ both on and off the track, Jordan Grand Prix began to struggle and Eddie eventually sold it to the Midland Group in 2005. The Silverstone-based team was subsequently sold to Spyker Cars, Force India and Racing Point before becoming Aston Martin in 2021.

Eddie’s knowledge and expertise – as well as his forthright opinions – saw him return to the F1 paddock as pundit for the BBC’s Grand Prix programme and then as a lead analyst for Channel 4’s coverage.

Whether behind the wheel, on the pit wall or behind the microphone, Eddie’s unique personality and incredible enthusiasm always shone through. He will be remembered as one of motorsport’s greatest personalities and a true ambassador who will be much missed right around the globe.

A statement from Jordan’s family read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.

“He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months.

“EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

Motorsport UK sends its deepest condolences to his wife Marie, his four children, family and many friends at this very difficult and sad time.