Tributes are flowing for Jones, whose wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, confirmed in a statement released by Motorsport Australia that he died on 5 November following a short illness. "We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness," Butler-Davis said. "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."
Jones claimed the Formula 1 drivers' championship in 1980 with Williams, becoming the second Australian to win the title, behind Sir Jack Brabham. He remains the last Australian driver to have won an F1 championship, despite Mark Webber, Daniel Ricciardo, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan taking F1 seats over the past two decades.
In 1980, Jones won five grands prix, in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the USA, to secure the crown. He retired for the first time after the 1981 season, was lured back to the sport in late 1985 ahead of the first world championship race held in Australia, in Adelaide, and retired for good in 1986. He later raced in V8 Supercars and spent years as a commentator with Nine's F1 coverage in Australia from 1987 to 2002. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and made an MBE in 1980.
In an interview with The Age earlier this year, Jones backed Piastri to break Australia's 46-year championship drought, saying the driver was "mentally strong and mature". "He's [Piastri] just an extremely talented bloke, as in talented like you don't see all that often," Jones said. "Every now and again, someone comes along and they're capable of winning races and championships no matter what they've got their bum in."
Piastri came close to the 2025 world title but fell short against teammate Lando Norris, and struggled in 2026 as Italian Kimi Antonelli became the youngest man to win the F1 championship.
Jones is survived by his wife, Amanda, and his children, Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.