Former racing driver, F1 team owner and entrepreneur Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76. Tributes have been flooding in for the legendary Irishman, who gave Michael Schumacher his debut with the Jordan team in 1991. In December, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ bladder and prostate cancer which had spread to other areas of his body.

A family statement confirmed that Jordan died in South Africa on Thursday while surrounded by his loved ones. It read: “Eddie 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.”

Tributes have been pouring in for Jordan, who was a hugely popular figure in the F1 paddock. Sky Sports pundit Karun Chandhok wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “There will never be another like him. Sleep well EJ.”

Fellow Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle added: “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.”

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement: “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 One family are with his family and loved ones.”

Jordan’s team entered 250 races, winning four times, between 1991 and 2005. He went on to work as a pundit for the BBC and Channel 4. In 2012, he was awarded an OBE for services to charity and motorsport.

He revealed his cancer diagnosis on his Formula For Success podcast back in December, urging others to get themselves checked out.

“Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer, and then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive,” said Jordan.

“We’ve all heard about our wonderful friend, Sir Chris Hoy, who’s an absolute megastar, and he is coming out and talking about illnesses like what I’ve got, but he’s a far younger man.

“But this is a little message, and everybody listening to this: Don’t waste or put it off. Go and get tested, because in life, you’ve got chances.

“There is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it. Don’t be stupid. Don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing. Look after your body, guys.”