Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion and first title winner for the Williams F1 team, has passed away after a short illness.
Jones, who turned 80 earlier this week, was a 12-time F1 race winner and the second Australian driver to win the world championship, after Jack Brabham.
News of Jones’s passing emerged during the early hours of Thursday morning.
His former team Williams released a statement saying: “Everyone at Williams is deeply saddened to learn of Alan Jones’ passing.
“Alan was instrumental in making Williams what it is today, forming an extraordinary bond with Frank Williams and Patrick Head to become our first drivers’ world champion in just our fourth season in Formula 1.
“He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast, uncompromising racer with a challenger mentality who loved motor racing and dedicated his life to it.
“He is a true Australian icon and a Williams legend, and he will be dearly missed.
“We send our love and thoughts to the Jones family and all his friends.”
