Former Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones Dies at 80

(Alan Jones. Photo by BBC News)
Former Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has died at the age of 80 after a short illness.

He turned 80 on Monday, November 2, and died on Wednesday, November 5.

His wife, Amanda Butler Davis, shared the news in a statement released through Motorsport Australia online, on Thursday.

"We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on November 5 following a short illness," she said.

Jones made history in 1980 as the first Williams driver to win the Formula 1 world championship.

That title was the first of the team's seven drivers' championships.

He raced in Formula 1 from 1975 to 1986.

He won 12 Grand Prix races from 116 starts.

Jones first raced for Hesketh at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix.

His first win came with Shadow at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix.

It was reported that he joined Williams in 1978 and finished third in the standings in 1979.

In 1980, he won five races and beat Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet to the title.

He became the second Australian to win the championship, after Jack Brabham.

Jones finished third in the 1981 championship.

He won the Las Vegas Grand Prix that year, which was his last Formula 1 victory.

After retiring at the end of the season, he returned briefly with Arrows in 1983.

He then came back full time with Haas in 1985 and 1986.

Outside Formula 1, he raced in touring car and endurance events, mainly in Australia, until 2002.

He later became a well known motorsport commentator and pundit on Australian television.

His wife said he dedicated his life to motorsport.

She said his achievements, passion and character, both on and off the track, left a lasting mark on the sport in Australia and around the world.

The wife also added that his family, friends and fans will miss him deeply.