Eddie Jordan, a luminary in Formula One, possessed diverse talents. From racing driver to team principal and forthright commentator, the charismatic Irishman excelled across various facets of motorsport.
The foremost figures in F1 reacted to the announcement of his passing on Thursday with profound emotion. The 76-year-old succumbed after a brief confrontation with bladder and prostate cancer.
Jordan had disclosed in December that the illness had become ‘aggressive’ and spread to his spine, thus the news of his death was anticipated.
Nevertheless, it has undeniably impacted the F1 community. He remained a prominent and familiar personality on the circuit for over three decades at the highest echelon of motorsport.
Beyond Formula One, Jordan leaves behind his devoted wife of 46 years, Marie, and their four children, who mourn the loss of the Irish icon.
Reports indicate that the 76-year-old leaves an estimated £463 million fortune, stemming from his extensive business interests. Mail Sport examines the origins of Jordan’s wealth.
Eddie Jordan is survived by his wife and four children, inheriting an estimated £463 million fortune
Eddie Jordan’s Path to Millions
Jordan was an individual who embraced risk, a strategy that frequently yielded success. A pioneer who resisted complacency, he consistently welcomed life’s unpredictable nature.
Early Ambition and Career Shift
His ambitious nature emerged early as he considered his career path. The public figure Jordan might never have existed had he pursued his initial aspiration to become a priest at the age of 15.
Instead, Jordan entered the banking sector after completing an accountancy course. He joined the Bank of Ireland but soon discovered his true passion lay in motor racing.
From Banking to Karting Champion
After discovering go-karting during a business trip, Jordan invested in his own kart and commenced training. He swiftly progressed to become the Irish Kart champion in 1971, demonstrating his serious commitment to the sport.
In 1974, Formula Ford recruited him, and he advanced to Formula 3. Despite a brief period as a McLaren reserve driver, Jordan did not reach the pinnacle of racing and retired from driving five years later.
Transition to Team Management
Driven by his inherent ambition, he transitioned to team management, establishing Jordan Racing in 1979.
Early Racing Ventures
In its initial decade, his team primarily competed in British F3, employing drivers such as Martin Brundle, now renowned for his F1 grid walks, and Johnny Herbert, who secured the championship for the team in 1987.
Jordan launched his racing team in 1979 before establishing Jordan Grand Prix F1 in 1991
He was recognized as a maverick figure within the F1 paddock
Jordan provided seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher (right) his Formula One debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix. He sold his F1 team for £40m in 2005
Jordan Grand Prix and Formula One Success
Jordan’s ambition propelled him further, and in 1991 he founded Jordan Grand Prix, entering Formula One.
F1 Team Principal
As team principal, Jordan was instrumental in launching Michael Schumacher’s career, granting him his debut at Spa, and securing four race victories. After 14 years at the sport’s summit, Jordan sold the team to Midland Group.
The team’s most significant achievement was a one-two finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, with Damon Hill claiming victory and Ralf Schumacher following closely behind.
Indulging in Life’s Luxuries
Jordan’s extensive empire naturally brought substantial wealth. His business acumen and negotiation skills generated considerable riches.
Significant Team Sale and Yachting Passion
The 2005 sale of his racing team represents a major deal in his portfolio. The transaction with the Russian-owned investment firm yielded approximately $50 million (£40 million).
This agreement, coupled with his business insight, allowed Jordan to pursue one of his foremost passions outside of racing: sailing and yachting.
Evolution of Yacht Ownership
As a youth, Jordan competed in Irish Championships on an International 420 Class Dinghy. As his racing team generated significant income, he transitioned to motor yachts, acquiring his initial Sunseeker in 1986.
Jordan possessed the largest Sunseeker yacht ever constructed, costing him £32 million
Jordan owned a Sunseeker annually from 1986 to 2017 – his former yacht ‘The Snapper’ is pictured
His yachts typically featured opulent interiors (another example shown), including multiple state rooms and amenities like hot tubs
In 2014, Jordan purchased ‘Blush’, a Sunseeker 155, for £32 million, one of the largest yachts available.
Luxury Yacht Features and Subsequent Sales
The colossal yacht, named for its 155-foot length, incorporated a private nightclub, numerous dining areas, hot tubs, and a jet ski garage.
However, after only three years, Jordan sold the mega-yacht, citing limited time to use it and the presence of five grandchildren. Subsequently, the mogul acquired a Perini Navi sailing yacht, also named Blush, which he owned until December 2024.
Despite his preference for lavish yachts, Jordan revealed that sailing’s connection to the sea was his primary enjoyment. The former team owner also possessed several Oyster sailing yachts, including an Oyster 885, for racing purposes.
‘Sailing is my origin, and following my departure from motor racing, it became a key aspiration,’ Jordan stated. ‘My ambition was to circumnavigate the world.’
‘This does not diminish my appreciation for motor boats, especially during my motor racing period, as they ensured timely returns for races or meetings.’
‘Sailing offers a distinct experience. Time becomes secondary upon embarking.’
Jordan’s Media Career
After stepping back from managing an F1 team, Jordan remained within the sport, transitioning to a pundit role with various broadcasters, including the BBC and Channel 4.
In his later years, Jordan became a broadcaster, known for his assertive viewpoints
Jordan also served as a presenter on Top Gear (second from right) after its 2016 relaunch
Jordan later launched a podcast with David Coulthard (center), a former Formula One driver
Broadcasting Roles and Podcast Ventures
Jordan assumed an even more prominent role, joining the Top Gear presenting team in 2016.
In 2023, Jordan and his former broadcasting colleague David Coulthard launched an F1-focused podcast, ‘Formula For Success’. Their final episode aired less than a day before Jordan’s death was announced, adding a poignant dimension.
Agent and Business Ventures
Behind the scenes, Jordan also functioned as an agent for Adrian Newey, facilitating his significant £20 million move to Aston Martin last year.
In February, Jordan spearheaded a consortium for the acquisition of rugby club London Irish.
His diverse business ventures included shares in a Bulgarian real estate group, the vodka brand Vodka V10, and the energy drink label EJ-10.
A Vibrant Personality
A passionate drummer since his team days, Jordan’s band V10, later renamed Eddie & The Robbers, was a regular feature in the Formula One paddock.
‘Music held significant importance in my life,’ Jordan shared in an interview with Hot Press. ‘Rock ‘n’ roll offered me a valuable outlet.’
He was also a rock-and-roll enthusiast and played drums in his band, Eddie & The Robbers
‘I consistently maintained a band of some kind. While not an exceptional drummer, my tempo was reliable, allowing me to perform.’
Musical Pursuits and Performances
Eddie & The Robbers performed in diverse locations including Monaco, the Isle of Wight Festival, and Singapore. In 2009, they released a charity single for the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
Jordan performed alongside musical icons such as Bryan Adams, Roger Daltry, and Roger Taylor, as well as figures like Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher.
Devoted Family Man
Above all, Jordan cherished his family and his roles as husband and father.
He married Marie Jordan, a former Irish international basketball player, in 1983, and they had four children: Zoe, Miki, Zak, and Kyle.
Family Life and Legacy
His eldest daughter, Zoe, is a successful fashion designer, while Miki is involved in sports event management. Zak is a snowboard instructor and competitor, and Kyle, the youngest, founded a sustainable cleaning products company.
Jordan prioritized his family’s privacy, shielding them from the public eye despite his own high profile.
Jordan was married to Marie for 42 years. Marie was formerly an international basketball player for Ireland.
The couple had four children: Zoe, Miki, Zak (not pictured, in 2005), and Kyle
Jordan pictured with Marie and their sons Zak (right) and Kyle (left) at a wedding last year
Following his first F1 race, Jordan acknowledged his family as ‘precious’ and his anchor.
Homes and Family Statement
Eddie and Marie owned residences in Kensington, London, Monaco, and Cape Town.
A family statement confirming his death conveyed: ‘EJ infused every setting with charisma, energy, and Irish charm. His absence leaves a significant void.
‘He will be deeply missed, yet we retain countless joyful memories to sustain us through our grief.’