Martin Brundle and Ralf Schumacher lead emotional tributes to Eddie Jordan, who ‘so many drivers owe so much’ after he died aged 76
Ralf Schumacher has lead the tributes for Eddie Jordan after his death aged 76.
The 76-year-old was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer last year and, on Thursday morning, his family confirmed that he’d passed away.
In a statement, they said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.
‘He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months.
Jordan has made a lasting impact on the sport of F1, having ran his own team in Formula One between 1991 and 2005 – before working as a broadcaster for the BBC and Channel 4.
Immediately after the news broke, tributes began to flood in with Schumacher – who was given his F1 debut by Jordan back in 1991 – leading the way.
Ralf Schumacher (left) has lead the tributes for Eddie Jordan after his death aged 76
Schumacher was given his Formula One debut by Jordan back in 1991
The German took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute for the former racing chief
Taking to Instagram, he said: ‘We had a great time in Cape Town. Your love for music and the many live performances are unforgettable.
‘I can hardly believe that you have lost the battle against the disease. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to start my F1 career in your team.
‘I will always be grateful to you for that. I wish the whole family a lot of strength in these hours. I already miss you my dear friend. Rest in peace’.
Alongside the heartfelt caption, Schumacher also shared a picture of himself alongside Jordan and a video of the F1 legend playing the spoons.
Meanwhile, Martin Brundle also took to social media to share an emotional message to Jordan alongside a similar video of Jordan in good spirits.
Brundle wrote: ‘RIP my friend. Condolences to each and every one of your lovely family.
‘What a character. What a rock star. What a racer. So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us’.
Similarly to his peers, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone shared a tribute message. He said: ‘I am very, very sad because Eddie was a special guy.
Martin Brundle shared an emotional message offering his condolences to Jordan’s family
Brundle insisted that ‘so many drivers owe’ their careers to Jordan during his tribute
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (left) labelled Jordan a ‘special guy’ in his emotional tribute
‘Tell me which team principal today is like him. You can’t give me one because there isn’t one. They don’t make them like that now. We will never replace him in Formula One.
‘He had been ill for some months. I last heard he was given two diagnoses by different doctors. One told him he was in trouble and another that all his problems had gone away. Now we know the answer, unfortunately.’
Ecclestone, 94, remained in contact with Jordan after they each stopped day-to-day involvement in F1.
He added: ‘With Eddie, you always knew where you stood. We could joke and laugh at each other. We very were close in a strange way. We trusted each other.
Meanwhile, Jake Humphreys also shared a poignant message in tribute to the F1 legend.
Retweeting a video of Jordan and a number of F1 figures in a comedy skit with Al Murray, Jake Humphrey wrote: ‘On a devastatingly sad and difficult day – this has put a big smile on my face’.
Humphrey then returned to social media to share a longer, touching testimony of the man he shared the screens with covering Formula One.
‘Utterly devastated. EJ has left us. Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races,’ he wrote.
Jake Humphrey (left) has paid tribute to Eddie Jordan (right) after his tragic passing
Humphrey once described Jordan as ‘the most inspiring friend I have’ on social media
‘More important than race wins though, he won hearts. I will never forget how his face would always light up whenever he saw a Jordan GP jacket, flag or cap… as we traveled the world together years after the team had been sold.
‘His greatest achievements were Mikki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His incredible 4 kids who share his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest, most wonderful women I have ever met.
‘The 4 years we spent together hosting F1 on the BBC were greatest of my career. Wing-walking, scooter riding, car driving madness that I know he loved deeply.
‘His incredible spirit and love of life lives on in me, and my children who were lucky enough to meet him and hear all about him.
‘Eddie lit up a room whenever he entered it. That is a lesson for us all – be the light in the room.
‘I was lucky enough to share one final, cherished meal with him and his boys a few months ago. It was special. We talked about me doing one final interview with him. Sadly that will never happen.
‘As I left his final words were “I love you brother”. One of the 3 Amigos is gone. The world seems a little less bright this morning.
‘Farewell friend. Play the spoons up there for me,’ with three love hearts.
Jordan, pictured with his wife Marie, was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer last year
Jordan and Humphrey were part of the BBC’s Formula One coverage together for four years, along with former F1 driver David Coulthard.
In his beautifully worded tribute to his old friend, Humphrey also included a heart-warming video of Jordan playing the spoons with a band in a restaurant.
Jordan and Humphrey were very close, and the latter has spoken in the past about the lessons and influence he has taken from his former presenting partner.
Back in 2020 Humphrey posted a video on X of Jordan busking in Covent Garden, playing percussion in a rendition of the Eagles’ hit Hotel California, stating: ‘I bloody love Eddie Jordan.
‘His passion for life is infectious. He is totally himself. One of the most inspiring friends I have.’
Elsewhere, Christian Horner also paid a heartfelt tribute. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: ‘Very, very sad. I mean, Formula One has lost an iconic character in Eddie, with his effervescent style and charisma and wit.
‘And obviously, in latter years, he’s been working in the media as a commentator and pundit.
‘But, you know, he was a big character, had a huge amount of passion, gave so many drivers and engineers and technicians the chance through his Jordan Grand Prix team.
‘And he’ll be sadly missed. But, you know, thoughts go out to his wife Marie and his four children. So, very sad news and he’ll be sadly missed’.
Red Bull CEO Christian Horner insisted Jordan was an ‘iconic character’ within the sport
Meanwhile, Williams driver Carlos Sainz shared a tribute for the F1 legend, writing: ‘Extremely sad to learn that Eddie has passed away. A true icon and loved character of our sport. Passionate, loyal and truly one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. R.I.P.’
Meanwhile, Stefano Domenicali – CEO of the F1 – said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan.
‘With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.
‘Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed. In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula 1 family are with his family and loved ones.’
