Oscar Piastri leads F1 tributes to Alan Jones after 1980 champion dies at 80

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Drivers, teams and senior leaders across Formula 1 have marked the death of Alan Jones, the sport’s 1980 World Champion, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. Jones’ legacy is closely tied to Williams’ rise during the early 1980s, when the Australian became a central figure in the team’s first World Championship campaigns.

Jones led Williams’ path to its inaugural drivers’ and constructors’ titles, sharing the 1980 success alongside teammate Carlos Reutemann. The pairing delivered the team’s first championships in both categories, with Jones finishing a dramatic 1980 season that brought him five Grand Prix victories and a place in Formula 1’s history books.

Ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri—Jones’ fellow Australian and a current driver on the 2026 grid—said the news was “obviously a very sad day” while also arguing that Jones “a life that should be very well celebrated.” Piastri described Jones as “a very straightforward person, straight to the point,” adding that on a personal level Jones had often spoken kindly to him.

Piastri also said he had the honour of driving Jones’ World Championship-winning car, calling it “very cool” and explaining that it gave him a way to connect with the champion. While noting he had not had much direct interaction with Jones due to the age gap, Piastri said Jones “embodied the Australian spirit” through his blunt, direct approach and toughness.

Piastri added that any Formula 1 World Championship winner achieves it through “talent, hard work, all kinds of other things,” suggesting that Jones’ record speaks for itself. He positioned Jones’ wider influence as extending beyond results, tying the champion’s character to the impression he left on Australian motorsport.

Current Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon also highlighted Jones’ importance to the team’s history. Sainz said the news was “very sad,” calling Jones “a strong figure for Williams in our history” and emphasizing his role as “our first winner, our first champion.” He said Jones would be missed and offered condolences to Jones’ family and close friends.

Albon echoed that sentiment, calling Jones “a legend to Williams.” He said Jones “brought so much success to the team, and moved the team forwards in many ways,” adding that it was a “really sad loss for everyone,” particularly for those connected to Williams today.

Among executives, McLaren CEO Zak Brown shared a personal memory of Jones’ prowess and his ability to encourage a lasting passion for motorsport. Fellow Williams champion Damon Hill—who followed Jones by winning the 1996 title with the British team—also paid tribute to Jones’ memory.

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Jones,” describing him as “a true great of our sport and an extraordinary racer.” Domenicali characterized Jones as “a formidable competitor,” a “natural leader,” and an icon who inspired generations of fans, especially in Australia.

Domenicali also credited Jones with helping secure Williams’ first Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in 1980, calling it “a defining moment for the team and our sport.” He added that beyond track achievements, Jones would be remembered for “his character, his passion and the lasting mark he left on Formula 1,” concluding with condolences to Jones’ family and loved ones on behalf of the Formula 1 family.