Former F1 world champion Alan Jones, one of two Australians to win title, dies aged 80

Former Formula One world champion Alan Jones passed away at the age of 80, days after his birthday on November 5. Aged 80, Jones had won 12 grands prix throughout his illustrious racing career. In 1980, he claimed the world championship title, sharing the honor with Jack Brabham as the sole Australians to achieve this feat in the sport's history.

Jones, whose father Stan was also a racing driver, claimed victory in the 1959 Australian Grand Prix. Moving to Britain in 1970, he pursued his F1 dreams, racing for the Williams team. He became world champion a decade later, in 1980. After retiring from professional racing in 1986, Jones transitioned into broadcasting.

The Australian Grand Prix praised Jones for leaving an enduring mark on the sport, both nationally and globally. They highlighted how his 1980 world championship inspired a generation of Australian motorsport enthusiasts, and noted that his victory at the Australian Grand Prix that year marked the last time an Australian driver won their home grand prix. Jones' legacy in Australian motorsport endures, deeply missed by the worldwide motorsport community.