The Formula 1 community has come together to express their heartfelt tributes to Eddie Jordan, fondly remembered as a `legend`, following the announcement of his death at the age of 76.
Earlier on Thursday, Jordan`s family shared the news that the beloved Irish entrepreneur, renowned for giving Michael Schumacher his start in Formula 1, had succumbed to cancer.
As the news spread throughout the paddock in anticipation of the Chinese Grand Prix, drivers and teams alike took to social media to share an outpouring of admiration and respect.
George Russell of Mercedes expressed his sorrow, stating, `A truly sad day. We`ve lost a real legend, a unique voice within and beyond the sport.
`My deepest sympathies are with Eddie`s family and those closest to him during this difficult time. Eddie, your absence will be deeply felt by us all, and your legacy will endure. We dedicate this weekend`s race to you.`
Carlos Sainz, formerly associated with Ferrari and McLaren and now with Williams, conveyed his sadness: `Deeply saddened by the passing of Eddie Jordan. A true icon and cherished figure in our sport.
`Passionate, loyal, and utterly unique. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.`
Esteban Ocon from Haas team shared, `I was fortunate to have known Eddie. A remarkable personality in our sport and an even finer individual. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Eddie.`
In recent years, Jordan was a familiar face as a television analyst, but he is best remembered for establishing his own Jordan team in 1991 – the team where Schumacher began his illustrious career – before financial constraints led to its sale in 2005.
After subsequent changes in ownership and name, the team now races as Aston Martin.
While Schumacher was famously recruited by Benetton from the financially challenged Jordan team, Damon Hill, a former world champion, achieved race victories with Jordan in 1998. The team reached its zenith in 1999, finishing third in the constructors` championship, trailing only Ferrari and McLaren, and securing a total of four race wins.
Flavio Briatore, former Benetton team principal and currently with Alpine, expressed his grief: `I am profoundly saddened by the loss of Eddie Jordan. Eddie was an exceptional individual who consistently brought joy to the entire F1 paddock for decades.
`I cherish the memories of our times together, both on and off the track, and his presence across the Formula 1 world will be deeply missed.`
Lawrence Stroll, owner of Aston Martin, remarked: `Eddie Jordan was a true racer, an exceptional leader, and one of the most memorable personalities in our sport. He was a friend of over thirty years, and I will miss him immensely.`
Other team leaders echoed these sentiments.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, stated, `Everyone at McLaren is deeply saddened to learn of Eddie Jordan`s passing.`
`Eddie was a vibrant character who always wore his heart on his sleeve. His dedication to Formula 1 was immense, and he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.`
Christian Horner shared on Instagram: `Very sorry to hear about the sad demise of Eddie Jordan. Eddie was an incredibly colorful personality whom I first encountered in 1991 as a young driver at his then-new factory, following his inaugural year in Formula 1. His advice was, `get a good sponsor … welcome to the Piranha Club!`
`I was fortunate to have interacted with him when I entered Formula 1. He was in the latter part of his F1 team ownership (he even attempted to sell me his team!), yet he transitioned into other ventures where his energy and enjoyable nature shone through.
`Formula 1 has lost a legend, and we will dearly miss his wit and Irish charm.`
James Vowles, team principal of Williams, added: `I am deeply saddened by Eddie`s passing. He was a larger-than-life figure who positively transformed our sport. He was an outstanding independent leader who operated among the giants of the sport.`
Rupert Caldwell