‘There are two things that make Formula One go round: cash and confidence. I usually had one, rarely both.’
Eddie Jordan didn’t just enter Formula 1 — he stormed in wearing a mustard suit, a grin, and a refusal to behave.
He gave Schumacher his debut, partied harder than the sponsors, and ran a team on charm and guile.
The story is a riot of karting, chaos, and clever deals.
This dear reader, is EJ in full technicolour…
The Life & Times of Eddie Jordan:
1948 – Born in Dublin. As a child, he survived a rare blood disease and briefly worked as a bank clerk.
1971 – Took up karting on a whim while holidaying in Jersey and won the Irish Karting Championship. The banking career was over.
The mid-1970s – Progressed to Formula Atlantic. A massive crash in ’76 broke both legs and ended his driving days.
1980s – Founded Eddie Jordan Racing and gave early breaks to Jean Alesi, Martin Brundle, and Johnny Herbert.
1991 – Entered F1 with Jordan Grand Prix. Schumacher made his debut. Eddie made a name.
1998 – Won their first Grand Prix at Spa. By 1999, they were 3rd in the Constructors’ Championship.
2005 – Sold the team. It would eventually evolve into Aston Martin F1.
Post-F1 – Became a BBC and Channel 4 pundit—broke stories. He upset teams and looked like a rock band manager.
Always – Friend of Bono. Yacht enthusiast. Drummer and Paddock mischief-maker.
Legacy – A man who bet on talent, out-charmed the big boys and made F1 fun.
Eddie Jordan was Formula 1’s most loveable rogue, part team boss, part rockstar, part wheeler-dealer in a loud shirt.
He gave Schumacher his break, ran a team on bravado and budget, and somehow made it all work.
‘The world is an extension of Eddie’s personality.’
‘He was a businessman, a band frontman, a racing boss and a hurricane in human form.’ Martin Brundle
RIP EJ
