Presenter Jake Humphrey delivered a heartfelt on-air tribute to his former colleague Eddie Jordan, becoming visibly emotional as he shared his thoughts following the passing of the Formula One icon at the age of 76.
Jordan, renowned for overseeing his own Formula One team from 1991 to 2005 and later transitioning to a role as a broadcaster for the BBC and Channel 4, succumbed to cancer on Friday after a courageous battle.
The 76-year-old was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer last year and, on Thursday morning, his family confirmed that he’d passed away.
During his time at the BBC from 2009 to 2012, Humphrey had the privilege of working closely with Jordan and David Coulthard, forming a bond that extended beyond their shared passion for Formula One. Humphrey eventually bid farewell to the BBC to embark on a new chapter with BT Sport.
Speaking on BBC 5 Live on Friday just hours after Jordan’s death was revealed by his family, Humphrey struggled to hold it together as he broke down while reading a statement to Jordan.
The duo would travel the world to cover the sport for the broadcaster, with Humphrey the anchor and Jordan among the punditry team, and Humphrey was keen to remember those days when talking about his friend.
Jake Humphrey broke down into tears on air as he gave an emotional tribute to Eddie Jordan
The duo worked together for four years on the BBC’s coverage of Formula One, also alongside David Coulthard
Jordan, pictured with his wife Marie, passed away on Thursday after a battle with cancer
Humphrey described his four years working with Jordan as ‘the best four years of his career’
‘He won races, which was remarkable, but more important than that, he won hearts,’ Humphrey said. ‘I remember when I left F1, a lot of people questioned why I left the BBC to join BT Sport, and I’ll never forget he pulled me to one side and said, ” know why you’re doing this, you want to be with your kids”.
‘My wife was pregnant at the time, and I said, “You’re absolutely right”. He was the only person in F1 that knew I was walking away to be with my family.’
Humphrey then broke down further, speaking with a lump in his throat as he struggled to get his words out.
‘I recently went to an F1 race and I text him after saying, “The sound, the smell, and the heat today” – I was in Austin, “Reminded me of our days together travelling the world. I love you brother.
‘Those were the greatest four years of my career and the impact you had on me was massive. My ambition and drive came from seeing what you did and how you did it.
‘Most importantly you were the person who made me truly realise that it’s family first every time. F1 is full of lost souls, but the way Marie and the kids were always with you was as special as it is rare.’
In a statement on Thursday, Jordan’s family said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur. He 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.
‘He was working until the last, having communicated on St Patrick’s Day, about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become Patron.’
He said Jordan ‘was the person who made me truly realise that it’s family first every time’
Jordan had been diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer last year and died alongside his family in South Africa
He then worked as a pundit while overseeing the career of design guru Adrian Newey after leading the Jordan team in Formula One
The family said: ‘EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.
‘He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.’
Jordan, who also worked as the manager of design guru Adrian Newey, leaves his wife Marie and his children: Zoe, Miki, Zak and Kyle. He has many devoted fans and will be sorely missed in the world of motorsport and beyond.
Humphrey also wrote on X: ‘Utterly devastated. EJ has left us. Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races.
‘More important than race wins though, he won hearts. I will never forget how his face would always light up whenever he saw a Jordan GP jacket, flag or cap… as we traveled the world together years after the team had been sold.
‘His greatest achievements were Mikki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His incredible 4 kids who share his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest, most wonderful women I have ever met.
‘The 4 years we spent together hosting F1 on the BBC were greatest of my career. Wing-walking, scooter riding, car driving madness that I know he loved deeply.
‘His incredible spirit and love of life lives on in me, and my children who were lucky enough to meet him and hear all about him.
Humphrey said Jordan’s final words when he met up with him recently were ‘I love you brother’
‘Eddie lit up a room whenever he entered it. That is a lesson for us all – be the light in the room.
‘I was lucky enough to share one final, cherished meal with him and his boys a few months ago. It was special. We talked about me doing one final interview with him. Sadly that will never happen.
‘As I left his final words were “I love you brother”. One of the 3 Amigos is gone. The world seems a little less bright this morning. Farewell friend. Play the spoons up there for me’.
