Australian Formula 1 icon Alan Jones has been remembered for leaving an “enduring mark” on international motorsport.
Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion and only the second Australian to achieve the feat following Sir Jack Brabham, died on Thursday after a brief illness. He was 80.
Melbourne-born Jones debuted on the F1 circuit in 1975 and claimed his first victory in the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix.
In 116 F1 races, Jones had 12 wins, including five in his championship-winning year in a Williams car.
He also won the 1980 Australian Grand Prix – which at the time was not part of the world championship – at Victoria’s Calder Park Raceway.
“I was never really one for working out the logistics of a championship and playing the percentage game,” Jones told Richard’s F1 motorsport website.
“I used to just get out there and attack each race as it came along. If you win enough races, you might land up being the champion, and if you don’t you might not be.”
Jones’ father Stan, who died in 1973 aged 49, was also a motor racing driver.
“When I won the (1980 title) decider at Montreal, I did get a bit emotional because I would have loved for my father to have been alive,” Jones said.
“It wasn’t until I got back to the hotel that I started jumping in the shower and carrying on.”
Jones, who is survived by is wife Amanda Butler-Davis and six children, reportedly was diagnosed with cancer a short time ago.
His death came just three days after his 80th birthday.
“We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” Butler-Davis said in a statement issued on her behalf by Motorsport Australia.
“He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.
“Alan dedicated his life to motorsport, building a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way.”
“Through his achievements, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe.
“As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan’s journey for the many years of friendship, love and support.
“He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.”
Jones was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1980 for “service to motor racing”.
In 1989, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Originally published as Australian Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has died aged 80