Eddie Jordan, former F1 team owner and media personality, dies aged 76

Irish entrepreneur and racing team boss Eddie Jordan has died at his home in South Africa at the age of 76 after battling cancer. The news was announced by his family.

Jordan later became a television commentator. He entered the highly competitive world of F1 racing in 1991 with a team bearing his name, headquartered at Silverstone. Due to financial difficulties, the team was sold in 2005.

“Eddie Jordan was a charismatic, energetic, and Irish presence wherever he went. And the world feels like a lesser place without him,” Jordan’s family said in a statement. They stated that Jordan passed away at his home in Cape Town, surrounded by family.

Born on March 30, 1948, Eddie Jordan competed in junior motorsport events before becoming a driver manager and eventually a team owner. His F1 team, and its flamboyant, publicity-loving boss, brought a "rock and roll" image to the sport – complete with glamorous women around fast cars and tabloid headlines – but they also punched above their weight, beating many established rivals.

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut for Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. This came after Belgian driver Bertrand Gachot was jailed for spraying CS gas at a London taxi driver. Jordan's team was short of funds at the time, and Schumacher, then primarily competing in sports car racing and relatively unknown, had a persuasive manager and the backing of Mercedes.

Schumacher was soon poached by Flavio Briatore's Benetton team, winning titles in 1994 and 1995. However, his younger brother Ralf Schumacher drove for Jordan for a longer period in 1997 and 1998. British driver Damon Hill, the 1996 champion with Williams, won a race for Jordan in 1998. The team finished third in the constructors' championship in 1999, behind Ferrari and McLaren, having won a total of four races.

"Many will miss him dearly, but he leaves countless fond memories, all of which will keep us smiling through our sadness," Jordan's family said in a statement. Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali, a former Ferrari team boss, said he was deeply saddened. "With his incredible energy he was always able to make anyone smile, always being true to himself, and full of talent," the Italian said.

Jordan spoke publicly about his cancer last December, saying he had experienced "very dark days" since being diagnosed with aggressive bladder and prostate cancer that had spread to his spine and pelvis. The Irishman remained busy, acting as manager for top designer Adrian Newey and patron of London Irish Rugby Club.

Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll said: "Eddie Jordan was a true racer, a great leader, and one of the most iconic figures in our sport. He was a friend to me for over 30 years, and I will miss him dearly." Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin paid tribute to his compatriot, saying Jordan "lived life to the full and demonstrated a fighting spirit in his final days, as he did through his career as an entrepreneur, F1 pioneer and TV personality over many years."