Eddie Jordan made a heartbreaking final plea before his tragic death from cancer.
The Formula One legend died on Thursday, aged 76, after losing his brave battle with bladder and prostate cancer. Jordan, a former racing driver, F1 team owner and entrepreneur, passed away surrounded by his loved ones in South Africa, as confirmed by a representative.
Jordan underwent chemotherapy treatment in his battle with the illness but ultimately succumbed to what was described as "aggressive" cancer. And in one of his final public appearances, the Republic of Ireland-born motorsport icon implored fans to take a proactive approach to their health by getting checked for cancer.
Speaking on his Formula For Success podcast alongside co-host David Coulthard, he told listeners: "Go and get tested, because in life, you've got chances. We've kind of alluded to it over the shows, way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer, and then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive."
He also mentioned British cycling hero, Sir Chris Hoy, saying: "We've all heard about our wonderful friend, Sir Chris Hoy, who's an absolute megastar, and he is coming out and talking about illnesses like what I've got, but he's a far younger man."
Making a final passionate appeal to his listeners, Jordan urged: "Go and do it. Don't be stupid. Don't be shy. It's not a shy thing. Look after your body, guys."
His family released a statement on Thursday confirming Jordan had died in South Africa. The statement read: "Eddie passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months."
Jordan carved out a modest career behind the wheel before establishing his own F1 team in 1991. Since news of his passing emerged, the Formula One community has rushed to pay their respects to the Dublin-born business mogul.
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle, who raced for Jordan both in F1 and in the junior categories, said: "RIP my friend. Condolences to each and every one of your lovely family.
"What a character. What a rock star. What a racer. So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us."
F1's chief executive Stefano Domenicali also penned an emotional message, writing: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan.
"With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.
"Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed. In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula One family are with his family and loved ones."
Between 1991 and 2005, Jordan's team competed in 250 F1 races, winning five Grand Prix wins. He then moved into broadcasting, becoming a key part of the BBC and Channel 4's F1 coverage. Jordan was also honoured with an OBE in 2012 for his contributions to charity and motorsport.
