Eddie Jordan has revealed he was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of cancer earlier this year. The former Formula One team owner said he suffered with bladder and prostate cancer which spread to his spine and pelvis.
The 76-year-old, who ran his own team between 1991 and 2005, before continuing to work in the sport as a broadcaster, is also the manager of F1 designer Adrian Newey. Jordan compared his condition to the six-times Olympic track cycling champion, Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed in October he was terminally ill with prostate cancer.
Speaking on his Formula For Success podcast alongside his co-host David Coulthard, Jordan said: “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.
“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. But this is a little message, and everybody listening to this: Don’t waste or put it off. Go and get tested, because in life, you’ve got chances.
Jordan continued: “There is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it. Don’t be stupid. Don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing. Look after your body, guys.”
Coulthard, who competed for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull and won 13 career grands prix, replied: “EJ, wise words. You’ve had this personal experience, and it’s good to see you are looking sharp actually considering the chemotherapy.
“I’m sure that is not the work of a moment and not a pleasant experience, but it is great that you are sharing your experience with all of our listeners.” Jordan replied: “We move on, but yes, some very dark days in there. We pulled out of it, thankfully.”
Dublin-born Jordan set up the eponymous Jordan GP team in 1991, entering 250 races and winning four grands prix. Jordan gave Michael Schumacher his Formula One debut in 1991 while Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, ended his career with the team, who left the F1 paddock in 2005.
