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

Eddie Jordan, the Irish entrepreneur and racing team owner, has passed away at the age of 76 in his hometown of South Africa. His family stated that Jordan died from cancer.

Jordan later became a television commentator, having entered the fiercely competitive world of F1 in 1991 with his team named after himself, headquartered at Silverstone. Due to financial difficulties, the team was sold in 2005.

“Eddie Jordan brought a wealth of charisma, vibrancy, and Irish humor wherever he went. There is a huge void in all our lives now that he is no longer with us,” Jordan's family said in a statement. They indicated that Jordan passed away peacefully in Cape Town in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 30, 1948, Jordan competed in junior motorsport events and worked as a driver manager before becoming a team owner. Jordan's F1 team and its dynamic, publicity-seeking boss brought a "rock and roll" image to the sport – luxury cars were always surrounded by glamorous models, and tabloid headlines were plentiful – but the team also punched above its weight, beating many established competitors.

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut for Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps. This came after Belgian driver Bertrand Gachot was jailed for spraying CS gas at a London taxi driver. At the time, the Jordan team was short of funds, and Schumacher was still relatively unknown, mainly competing in sports car racing, but he had a highly persuasive manager and the backing of Mercedes-Benz. Schumacher was soon poached by Flavio Briatore's Benetton team, winning the championship in 1994 and 1995, but his younger brother Ralf had a longer stint with Jordan in 1997 and 1998.

British driver Damon Hill, the 1996 Williams champion, won a race for Jordan in 1998. In 1999, the team finished third in the constructors' championship, behind only Ferrari and McLaren, and won a total of four races.

“He will be missed by so many," Jordan's family said in a statement, "and we will be forever grateful for the countless memories he has given us, which will keep us smiling through our sadness.” Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, formerly the Ferrari team boss, said he was deeply saddened. "He was such a joyful person and fun to be with, always knowing how to make you smile, always genuine and full of passion for the sport," Domenicali said.

Jordan spoke publicly about his cancer in 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 a manager for top designer Adrian Newey and sponsoring 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 personalities in our sport. He was a friend to me for over 30 years and I will miss him dearly." Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin paid tribute to his compatriot, saying Jordan "lived life to the full" and "faced his final days with the same courage and resilience he showed throughout his years as an entrepreneur, F1 pioneer and TV commentator".