Williams pay tribute to first world champion Alan Jones, who has died aged 80

Williams has paid tribute to Alan Jones, its first world champion, who died on Wednesday at the age of 80 following a brief illness. Jones died three days after celebrating his 80th birthday. His wife, Amanda, confirmed the death in a statement released through Motorsport Australia on behalf of the family.

Jones won the 1980 Formula 1 world championship with Williams, the team's first drivers' title and the first of back-to-back titles, delivered in just its fourth season in the sport. Across 117 race starts he took 12 wins, 24 podiums and 206 points. Williams said Jones was instrumental in the team's early success and set the standard for its champions as a fast, uncompromising racer.

F1 chief executive and president Stefano Domenicali also paid tribute, describing Jones as a true great of the sport and an extraordinary racer. Domenicali noted that Jones had served the FIA as a driver steward at Grands Prix from 2010 onwards.