The racing world mourns the loss of Eddie Jordan, a man who could best be described as a ‘disruptor’. Jordan, a former Formula 1 team owner, was a rule-breaker who stormed the scene with an audacious spirit that led to his remarkable success in the sport. His jovial demeanor was a mere veneer for his fierce tenacity and keen business acumen. Jordan’s knack for sealing groundbreaking deals made him a force to be reckoned with in the world of Formula 1.
Coming from Dublin, Jordan entered the British Formula 3 scene as a driver in 1979. His journey began in the humble surroundings of Silverstone’s former pig sheds. Over the years, he dabbled in various career paths, contemplating priesthood and dentistry before finally becoming a qualified accountant. His larger-than-life personality, coupled with a shrewd business sense, made him a formidable negotiator. Many have recalled how Jordan would seamlessly shift from his boisterous demeanor to a serious and confidential air when discussing deals, making his counterparts feel like they were on the receiving end of an exceptional favor.
Jordan’s unyielding optimism and adaptability were key to his success in the sport. He was known for his ability to bend reality to suit his needs during negotiations. However, this trait occasionally landed him in hot water. Recognizing his limitations as a driver, Jordan stepped back in 1980 to focus on managerial roles, running his F3 cars with drivers David Leslie and David Sears.
Under Jordan’s leadership, Eddie Jordan Racing began to establish a formidable presence in Formula 3. The team’s highlight came in 1983 when they nearly clinched the British title against Ayrton Senna with Martin Brundle. The pinnacle of their success was in 1987 when they won the British F3 Championship with Johnny Herbert.
Jordan’s venture into F3000 in 1988 was another testament to his tenacity. His debut with Herbert was a triumphant one, and around this time, Jordan also ventured into driver management, placing several drivers into F1.
The transition to F1 was a complex web of deals, a labyrinth only Jordan could navigate. Setting up a factory opposite the Silverstone track seemed like a commercial gamble to many. However, Jordan was not one to conform to conventional limitations. His audacity paid off when he gave Michael Schumacher his F1 break, even though he lost him after one race. Surrounding himself with competent associates, including Gary Anderson and Ian Phillips, Jordan managed to keep the team afloat.
A major turning point for the team came with the Yamaha engine deal in 1992. While it did compromise their track performance, it saved the team from potential bankruptcy. From then on, Jordan focused on keeping his team in the game and accumulating wealth, infusing his team with his vibrant energy. The team’s best year was in 1999 when Heinz-Harald Frentzen emerged as a contender for the world championship.
Jordan exited the F1 scene in 2005 after selling to the Midland consortium. The team has since changed hands multiple times, currently operating as Aston Martin F1. The state-of-the-art factory opposite Silverstone is a stark contrast to its humble beginnings in the pig sheds.
Even after his departure, Jordan’s presence in F1 remained palpable. He was a pundit whose unconventional insights and entertaining commentary were a delight to fans. His spirit, as vivacious as ever, will be sorely missed. One can only imagine him negotiating his way into heaven, for that was the essence of Eddie Jordan.
