Alan Jones died on November 5, 2026, at 80. According to BBC Sport and Sky Sports, the former Formula 1 world champion passed away after a short illness. He had turned 80 only three days earlier, on November 2. His wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, confirmed the news in a statement released through Motorsport Australia.As reported by BBC Sport and as released through Motorsport Australia, Amanda Butler-Davis said:"We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for."She also said:"Alan dedicated his life to motorsport, building a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way. Through his achievements, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe."Formula 1 posted its own tribute on X. The official account wrote:"We are very saddened to hear of the passing of World Champion Alan Jones. ‘Jonesy’ made his first F1 entrance at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix with the Hesketh squad before going on to famously claim the title in 1980 alongside Frank Williams at his eponymous team. A fierce racer and competitive spirit. Rest In Peace"Alan Jones was the last Australian to win the drivers' championship and the first to do it for Williams. According to Formula1.com, he took the 1980 title with five wins that year after finishing third in 1979. He ended his career with 12 Grand Prix victories in total, racing from 1975 through 1986. BBC Sport noted that he also won the Australian Grand Prix at Calder Park in 1980, though that race sat outside the World Championship.Alan Jones' journey to world championAlan Jones started in a private Hesketh and later drove for Shadow, taking his first win at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix. The Guardian reported that he moved to Williams in 1978 and helped turn the team into a regular contender. That 1980 season also delivered the constructors’ championship for Williams, with Jones finishing ahead of Nelson Piquet.Williams later said on its site that he built a strong working relationship with Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head. The team called him instrumental in its early rise and described him as a fast, uncompromising racer who set a standard others followed.After Alan Jones left Formula 1, he kept racing in Australia until 2002 and worked as a television commentator. ESPN noted that he is survived by his wife and six children. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation also released a short statement that recognized his place in the sport and the lasting effect of his 1980 results.