Formula 1 legend and former world champion Alan Jones dies after short illness

Formula 1 legend and former world champion Alan Jones dies after short illness Jones' death was announced on Thursday, just three days after he celebrated his 80th birthday - he remains the last Australian to win the F1 world championship Former F1 world champion and Australian racing legend Alan Jones has died after an illness. He was 80 years old. The 1980 world champion passed away following ‘a short illness’, his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, sadly confirmed on Thursday. She said in a statement: "We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on November 5 following a short illness. "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." Born in Melbourne in 1946, Jones remains the most recent Australian to be crowned the Formula 1 world drivers’ champion, securing the 1980 title with Williams. He won five Grand Prix that year, and 12 races in total across an 11-year career at the pinnacle of the sport. Making his F1 debut in 1975, Jones' drives at smaller teams Hesketh, Hill, Surtees, and Shadow caught the eye - especially when he won his maiden race at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix. Amid interest from Ferrari, Jones opted to move to Williams for the 1978 season, and a year later he was one the best talents on the grid. In 1979, he claimed four Grand Prix wins to finish third in the drivers' championship. A year later, he claimed the world championship title with one race to spare at that year's Canadian Grand Prix, becoming the first Aussie since Jack Brabham to win motorsport's top prize. After two more wins in 1981, he spectacularly announced he was retiring from the sport while still at the peak of his powers. However, Jones did make a handful more Grand Prix appearances in 1982, 1985, and 1986. He could not add to his career total of 12 victories. Following his retirement, he became a leading F1 figure on Australian television and raced at the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Australian touring car championship. He was also involved in the ill-fated A1 GP project, which saw teams enter cars to represent their home countries - with Jones heading up the Australian entry. He was still a regular fixture at F1 races after he turned 70. A stand at the Australian Grand Prix circuit, Melbourne's Albert Park, is named in his honour. He is survived by his wife Amanda and four children.