Alan Jones, the Australian driver who claimed the 1980 Formula One world championship, has died at the age of 80.
According to The Straits Times, citing the AFP news agency, Jones passed away on 5 November following a brief illness. His death came only three days after he celebrated his 80th birthday on 2 November.
Jones is one of just two Australians to have won the Formula One drivers' title, the other being Jack Brabham. Over the course of his career he recorded 12 grand prix victories.
Born in Melbourne, Jones came from a racing family. His father, Stan, was also a driver and won the Australian Grand Prix in 1959. The younger Jones relocated to Britain in 1970 in pursuit of a Formula One career, and ten years later he was crowned world champion while driving for Williams.
He stepped away from racing in 1986 and later moved into broadcasting.
A statement issued on behalf of his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, and reported by Australian broadcaster ABC, said Jones had devoted his life to motorsport and would be greatly missed by family and supporters alike. It added that his achievements and distinctive personality had left a lasting impression on the sport in Australia and around the world.
The Australian Grand Prix also paid tribute, saying Jones "holds a special place in the history of our sport". Organisers noted that his championship success had inspired a generation of motorsport fans in his home country.
They also highlighted that Jones won the Australian Grand Prix in that same 1980 season, a result that remains the most recent home victory by an Australian driver at the event.
The organisers said he leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Australian motorsport and that his loss will be felt across the global racing community.