Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has passed away at the age of 80.

Jones was the first driver to win a world championship for Williams, clinching the title in the penultimate round of the 1980 season driving a Ford Cosworth-powered FW07B.

He scored his 11th and final grand prix victory the following year but announced his retirement from F1. He later returned with the original Haas team but left for good at the end of 1986.

Williams paid tribute to Jones, whose 80th birthday was on Monday.

“Everyone at Williams is deeply saddened to learn of Alan Jones’ passing,” said the team in a statement. “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.”

The Australian Grand Prix promoters issued a statement saying they received the news of Jones’ death “with great sadness.” Jones won the race in 1980 when it was held as a non-championship event at Calder Park and was chiefly contested by Formula 5000 machinery plus two Formula 1 cars, one of which Jones drove.

“As a Formula 1 world champion and one of Australia’s greatest racing drivers, Alan holds a special place in the history of our sport,” the statement continued. “His 1980 world championship inspired a generation of Australian motorsport fans, while his victory at the Australian Grand Prix that same year remains the last time an Australian driver has won their home grand prix.

“He leaves an extraordinary legacy in Australian motorsport and will be deeply missed by the motorsport community around the world.”

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and

Browse all Formula 1 articles