Double F1 race winner Jean-Pierre Jabouille passes away aged 80
Jean-Pierre Jabouille, the two-time Grand Prix winner who clinched Renault’s first F1 win, has died at the age of 80.
Frenchman Jabouille made 49 starts in his F1 career, which began with Williams in 1974 and ended with Ligier in 1981 – via stints at Surtees, Tyrrell and the aforementioned Renault.
Two years after joining Renault, Jabouille scored a landmark home win for himself and the team at the 1979 French Grand Prix, held at Dijon, leading Ferrari’s home rival Gilles Villeneuve and his teammate Rene Arnoux to finish in a notable and today’s legendary battle were involved for second place.
Jabouille and Renault secured another triumph together at the Austrian Grand Prix the following year – the Paris-born racer also claimed six pole positions and finished his F1 career with 21 points.
As well as F1, Jabouille clinched the 1976 European F2 title and amassed four podiums in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
On Jabouille’s death, Stefano Domenicali, CEO and President of Formula 1, said: “I am saddened by the news that Jean-Pierre Jabouille has passed away. He gave so much to motorsport and Formula 1 and we cherish his memory and achievements. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
The current Alpine team – backed by Renault – released a statement saying it was “incredibly sad” to hear of Jabouille’s death, describing him as “a humble racer, brilliant engineer and pioneer of our sport”, along with “a real one.” Racer”.
Her message continued: “He led Renault’s journey into Formula 1 in 1977 with his resilient and courageous attitude. It was Renault’s first Grand Prix winner in 1979, a milestone in Renault’s Formula 1 journey.
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“His determination and dedication to success has inspired many and those values remain at the heart of the current team in its now blue Alpine colours.
“We are where we are today thanks to Jean-Pierre and his legacy lives on. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and close friends.”
