Image Unavailable, Please Login Born in Melbourne, Alan Jones became the archetype of a Williams champion – gritty, fearless, uncompromising. He clawed his way into Formula 1 in 1975, debuting at Barcelona’s Montjuïc Park with a private Hesketh 308B and scoring his first points later that year with Embassy Hill at the Nürburgring. In 1978, he joined Williams. One year later, he was third in the championship. In 1980, he ruled the season: five wins, ten podiums, and the Drivers’ title – while Williams claimed its first Constructors’ crown. Frank Williams once said: “AJ was a man’s man… He didn’t need babysitting or hand-holding.” It was a partnership built on steel and conviction, setting the tone for a new era. Jones stepped away in 1981, returned briefly in the mid-80s, but his legacy was already sealed – bold, unmistakable, and proudly Australian.
I'm a big fan. "Met" him once in the paddock of Brands Hatch. Super nice guy. Well, Carlos Reuteman might disagree, but whatever. I so hope Piastri can be his successor.
