The death of Aussie motorsport icon Alan Jones has prompted a flood of tributes, including a homage from Williams, the team he won the 1980 F1 world drivers’ title with. Current Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali also revealed his sorrow over the loss of the 80-year-old, who was stricken with cancer.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Jones. A true Williams legend, Alan formed an extraordinary bond with Frank Williams and Patrick Head and and made history by winning our first Drivers’ World Championship in 1980,” the team said in a statement.

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“He set the standard for Williams champions: a fast, uncompromising racer with a challenger mentality who loved motor racing and dedicated his life to it. He will be sorely missed, and we send our love and thoughts to his family and friends.”

Frank Williams’ daughter Claire, who was the outfit’s deputy principal, added her voice to the tributes, saying: “Alan is a hugely important part of Williams and F1’s history. He played a critical role in the team’s earliest success, working closely with Dad and Patrick Head to launch Williams into the history books.

“Alan scored our first podium finish in 1978, and in 1980, brought Williams its first drivers’ and constructors’ World Championships. Dad was enormously fond of Alan; I think he was one of Dad’s favourite drivers of all time.

“Alan was a much-loved figure in the paddock, keeping in touch with the team over the years … He was a wonderful racer, bringing heaps of talent, natural leadership, strength and tenacity to Williams in its earliest days.”

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Domenicali called the Aussie “a true great of our sport and an extraordinary racer” whose death left the F1 CEO “deeply saddened”. 

“Alan was a formidable competitor, a natural leader and an icon who inspired generations of fans, particularly in his beloved Australia … Beyond his achievements on track, Alan will be remembered for his character, his passion and the lasting mark he left on Formula 1.”

Another tribute came from current Aussie F1 star Oscar Piastri, who hailed Jones for the man he was, as well as his driving skill. 

“I think a life that should be very well celebrated. A guy that had a lot of success on the racetrack and Australia’s most recent world champion. But I also think the person he was, a very, very, straightforward person. Straight to the point,” the McLaren star told F1 TV.