Former Formula 1 team owner and broadcaster Eddie Jordan dies aged 76

Former Formula 1 team owner and broadcaster Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76.

Jordan revealed in December he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of cancer earlier in 2024.

He ran his own F1 team between 1991 and 2005 before moving to a broadcast role, working for the BBC and Channel 4.

He “passed away peacefully” while surrounded by his loved ones in Cape Town, South Africa, according to a family statement.

“EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence,” a family statement read.

“He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

Read more from Sky News:
Trump just wants a deal – who will blink first?
What to know about newly released JFK assassination files

Jordan, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, operated his own racing team in lower-level series before moving up to F1 in 1991, giving future seven-time champion Michael Schumacher his first race that year.

Other drivers over the years included Damon Hill, who won the 1996 championship with Williams, future Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who was third in the championship for Jordan in 1999.

Christian Horner, principal of Red Bull Racing, said in a statement on Instagram: “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. His advice, ‘get a good sponsor… welcome to the Piranha Club!’

“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 media 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. 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!”

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle OBE paid tribute to Jordan on X saying: “So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us.”

Jordan Grand Prix won four races before Jordan sold the team in 2005.

Following more sales and name changes since then, the team competes as Aston Martin.