Eddie Jordan obit

Eddie Jordan Dies: BBC Racing Commentator Was 76

 He was not on the list.

Eddie Jordan, a much-loved BBC racing commentator and Formula 1 boss, has died aged 76 from prostate cancer.

Jordan’s family told the press that he “passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20 March 2025.”

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur,” said the statement.

Jordan was known for his flamboyant character and was beloved by F1 fans for his commentary.

Born in Dublin in 1948, he was a racing driver in the 1970s and went on to found the Jordan Grand Prix in 1991. His team, which made its debut in 1991, won four grands prix in its 15 years before being sold in 2005.

Having been involved with various Formula 1 teams, Jordan became a pundit for BBC Sport’s Grand Prix program in 2009 and became well known for his commentary and analysis. He had this role for six years before moving to Channel 4 when the BBC pulled out of F1. He was also the co-owner of London Irish Rugby Club.

“He was working until the last, having communicated on St Patrick’s Day about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become patron,” added the family statement. “Eddie and Jordan Grand Prix were known for their rock and roll image, bringing a fun and exciting element to F1, as well as consistently performing above their weight.”

At the end of 1979 and short of money, Jordan founded his first team, Eddie Jordan Racing, which ran drivers David Leslie and David Sears in 1981 at various events in and around Great Britain. In 1982 his primary driver was James Weaver; in 1983 Weaver ran again in European F3 and Jordan hired Martin Brundle, who finished second to Ayrton Senna in British F3. In 1987 the team employed Johnny Herbert, who proceeded to win the British Formula Three Championship.

A host of drivers owe their breaks to Jordan. Drivers who have won Grands Prix who have driven for him include world champions Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher, while Jean Alesi, Rubens Barichello, Thierry Boutsen, Giancarlo Fisichella, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Johnny Herbert, Eddie Irvine, Roberto Moreno, Ralf Schumacher, Jarno Trulli, Martin Brundle and John Watson also drove in Jordan cars.

Jordan wrote a monthly column called "This Much I Know" for F1 Racing magazine, until they relaunched with Murray Walker writing instead. Jordan also worked on a TV series called Eddie Jordan's Bad Boy Racers.[10] In 2007 he was appointed Chairman of Rally Ireland, a round of the World Rally Championship.

Jordan has broken many stories before they were due to be confirmed; these include Lewis Hamilton's move to Mercedes, Michael Schumacher's return in 2010 and Felipe Massa's departure from Ferrari.

Jordan had a long time friendship with Bernie Ecclestone and interviewed him several times. Jordan had spoken many times about how Ecclestone influenced his career.

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