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The sentence “There won’t be another one like…” is a frequent one whenever someone passes. But, in that case of Eddie Jordan, that sentence really is true. Jordan was one of a kind within Formula 1, both for his role as team owner and later television analyst.
As team owner, Jordan built his team from the ground up from their base near the Silverstone race track. Over 14 years, the team secured two pole positions and four race victories, most famously clinching their first victory in the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, with Damon Hill leading home a team one-two.
The following year, Jordan nearly went one better. German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen remained in the Drivers’ Championship fight for most of the season, fighting with McLaren and Ferrari, before reliability got the better of the Jordan. Nevertheless, it showed that on their day, Jordan could fight with the bigger F1 outfits despite running at a financial deficit in comparison.
Most obituaries today will naturally focus on Jordan’s success as team owner. But while the Jordan name disappeared from the pit lane gantry in 2005, Jordan as a paddock figure remained. In 2008, the BBC announced that Jordan would form part of their broadcast team for the 2009 season. But, hang on.
Eddie Jordan wasn’t an F1 journalist.
Eddie Jordan wasn’t an F1 driver.
What can Eddie Jordan contribute to the BBC’s F1 television output, I hear you say? Quite a lot, as it would turn out. Since Murray Walker retired in 2001, F1 was missing something on the small screen when it came to wrap-around coverage. The coverage was informative and interesting, but was missing a key ingredient.
Jordan formed the BBC’s leading trio alongside Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard, instantly turning the broadcast into one that was informative, interesting, and entertaining. Jordan injected humour, colour, personality, and opinions all in one go into the television coverage, aided by Humphrey, Coulthard, and the remainder of the BBC team.
When Jordan spoke, you listened. You laughed. Maybe you cried with laughter because he said something so unbelievably silly that later turned out to be true. Jordan’s sources were impeccable, a goldmine for the Beeb and an incredible asset to them. Who knew an ex-team owner would hold all the keys to the driver market?
The thing about Jordan was that his viewpoints felt opinionated without malice. You may disagree with him on occasion, but there was never a feeling of ill will. Instead, the Irish smile and character peered out from behind the discussion, as the presentation team mulled over the paddock gossip.
The BBC created a winning formula, which other broadcasters have struggled to replicate, and maybe that’s because you can’t. Luckily for the Beeb, the right people were available at the right time, in the right circumstances. It is a formula or presentation team that has never been bettered. Jordan was a brilliant team owner, and an equally brilliant TV pundit who entertained millions, race in, race out.
Jordan stayed with the BBC until their F1 television coverage ended in 2015, moving over to Channel 4. He remained close to both Coulthard and Humphrey, creating the Formula For Success podcast with the former in more recent years. His influence on paddock life remained, even as he battled an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
If Team Silverstone with Adrian Newey takes Aston Martin to the front in 2026, there is one man primarily responsible. His name is Eddie Jordan. Sadly, he will not be there to witness it in person, only in spirit.
Rest easy, Eddie.
Tributes to Eddie Jordan
David Coulthard: “Eddie Jordan was a force to be reckoned with beyond what anyone could expect in Formula 1. He was a gift to Formula 1 & he was a gift to Ireland. You never knew quite where his madness would take you next, but you always got there with a smile on your face. There will be endless people telling Eddie Jordan stories as long as there is still Formula 1 around. It has been an honour calling him and friend & all of our love to his family & his four children, Mikki, Zoe, Kyle & Zak”
Jake Humphrey: “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. He’s busy playing spoons in the sky ❤️”
Martin Brundle: “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. 🥲
Lee McKenzie: “There will never be anyone like him. A true friend. Thank you for everything EJ 💚🍀”
