Eddie Jordan, legendary Irish F1 personality, dies aged 76

Dublin native Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit, and entrepreneur, died in Cape Town, South Africa early today, Thursday, March 20.

In a statement, London Irish, the professional rugby union club which Jordan led a consortium in purchasing earlier this year, said that Jordan's family was at his side when he passed away "peacefully" this morning.

The 76-year-old had been "battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months," the club said. 

London Irish said Jordan "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."

The club continued: "Born on 30 March 1948 in Dublin, Ireland, Eddie rose to prominence through racing in the lower echelons of single seater motorsport, then moving into driver management, and following that founding the infamous privately owned Formula 1 Team, Jordan Grand Prix.

"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.

"Many successful F1 drivers owe their career breaks to Eddie, and world champions including Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill drove for him.

"Following the sale of the team in 2005, Eddie successfully moved into TV punditry and commentary for the F1 TV producers as well as continuing to be a prolific entrepreneur having made many successful investments in a variety of sectors.

"Eddie leaves his wife Marie and his children: Zoe, Miki, Zak and Kyle. He has many devoted fans and will be sorely missed in the world of motorsport and beyond."

Jordan's family said: “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went.

"We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.

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

2

Eddie Jordan, Montreal, 1996. (Rick Dikeman / CC BY-SA 3.0)

Formula 1 said in a statement: "Edmund Patrick Jordan was exactly what a high-powered sport needed, a colourful, funny, cheeky and intensely determined and lovable character."

Remembering Eddie Jordan, the legendary F1 team owner and all-round entertainer 💛 pic.twitter.com/ZVcZtJBYkZ

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 20, 2025

In Ireland, both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris said on Thursday that they were saddened to learn of Jordan's passing.

The Taoiseach said: "Eddie lived life to the full, facing his final days with the same courage and tenacity he displayed throughout his many years as an entrepreneur, Formula One pioneer, and TV pundit.

"There were few like him. My deepest sympathies go to all his family and friends."

Separately, the Tánaiste said: "A proud Dubliner, Eddie’s impact on the world of motorsport was truly remarkable.

"His passion, vision, and leadership shaped the sport and inspired so many.

"His legacy will live on."