The sentence “There gained’t be one other one like…” is a frequent one every time somebody passes. However, in that case of Eddie Jordan, that sentence actually is true. Jordan was one among a sort inside Formulation 1, each for his function as staff proprietor and later tv analyst.
As staff proprietor, Jordan constructed his staff from the bottom up from their base close to the Silverstone race observe. Over 14 years, the staff secured two pole positions and 4 race victories, most famously clinching their first victory within the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, with Damon Hill main dwelling a staff one-two.
The next 12 months, Jordan almost went one higher. German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen remained within the Drivers’ Championship battle for a lot of the season, combating with McLaren and Ferrari, earlier than reliability acquired the higher of the Jordan. However, it confirmed that on their day, Jordan may battle with the larger F1 outfits regardless of working at a monetary deficit as compared.
Most obituaries at this time will naturally give attention to Jordan’s success as staff proprietor. However whereas the Jordan title disappeared from the pit lane gantry in 2005, Jordan as a paddock determine remained. In 2008, the BBC introduced that Jordan would type a part of their broadcast staff for the 2009 season. However, dangle 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 tv output, I hear you say? Rather a lot, as it might end up. Since Murray Walker retired in 2001, F1 was lacking one thing on the small display when it got here to wrap-around protection. The protection was informative and attention-grabbing, however was lacking a key ingredient.
Jordan shaped the BBC’s main trio alongside Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard, immediately turning the published into one which was informative, attention-grabbing, and entertaining. Jordan injected humour, color, persona, and opinions multi function go into the tv protection, aided by Humphrey, Coulthard, and the rest of the BBC staff.
When Jordan spoke, you listened. You laughed. Possibly you cried with laughter as a result of he stated one thing so unbelievably foolish that later turned out to be true. Jordan’s sources had been impeccable, a goldmine for the Beeb and an unimaginable asset to them. Who knew an ex-team proprietor would maintain all of the keys to the driving force market?
The factor about Jordan was that his viewpoints felt opinionated with out malice. It’s possible you’ll disagree with him once in a while, however there was by no means a sense of ailing will. As an alternative, the Irish smile and character peered out from behind the dialogue, because the presentation staff mulled over the paddock gossip.
The BBC created a profitable components, which different broadcasters have struggled to copy, and possibly that’s as a result of you may’t. Fortunately for the Beeb, the best folks had been obtainable on the proper time, in the best circumstances. It’s a components or presentation staff that has by no means been bettered. Jordan was a superb staff proprietor, and an equally good TV pundit who entertained thousands and thousands, race in, race out.
Jordan stayed with the BBC till their F1 tv protection resulted in 2015, transferring over to Channel 4. He remained near each Coulthard and Humphrey, creating the Formulation For Success podcast with the previous in newer years. His affect on paddock life remained, at the same time as he battled an aggressive type of prostate most cancers.
If Group Silverstone with Adrian Newey takes Aston Martin to the entrance in 2026, there’s one man primarily accountable. His title is Eddie Jordan. Sadly, he is not going to be there to witness it in particular person, solely in spirit.
Relaxation straightforward, Eddie.
Tributes to Eddie Jordan
David Coulthard: “Eddie Jordan was a drive to be reckoned with past what anybody may count on in Formulation 1. He was a present to Formulation 1 & he was a present to Eire. You by no means knew fairly the place his insanity would take you subsequent, however you all the time acquired there with a smile in your face. There shall be countless folks telling Eddie Jordan tales so long as there’s nonetheless Formulation 1 round. It has been an honour calling him and good friend & all of our like to his household & his 4 youngsters, Mikki, Zoe, Kyle & Zak”
Jake Humphrey: “His best achievements had been Mikki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His unimaginable 4 children who share his spirit. His spouse Marie is likely one of the strongest, most fantastic girls I’ve ever met. The 4 years we spent collectively internet hosting F1 on the BBC had been best of my profession. Wing-walking, scooter driving, automotive driving insanity that I do know he liked deeply. His unimaginable spirit and love of life lives on in me, and my youngsters who had been fortunate sufficient to satisfy him and listen to all about him. Eddie lit up a room every time he entered it. That could be a lesson for us all – be the sunshine within the room. I used to be fortunate sufficient to share one last, cherished meal with him and his boys a couple of months in the past. It was particular. We talked about me doing one last interview with him. Sadly that can by no means occur. As I left his last phrases had been ‘I like you brother’. One of many 3 Amigos is gone. The world appears rather less vivid this morning. He’s busy enjoying spoons within the sky ❤️”
Martin Brundle: “RIP my good friend. Condolences to every one among your pretty household. What a personality. What a rock star. What a racer. So many drivers owe you a lot, you gave us our possibilities and believed in us. 🥲
Lee McKenzie: “There’ll by no means be anybody like him. A real good friend. Thanks for the whole lot EJ 💚🍀”
