Michael Schumacher’s former 76-year-old adversary Eddie Jordan reveals he’s fighting against an aggressive cancer
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan revealed that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer earlier this year. Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, the 76-year-old said that he was suffering from bladder and prostate cancer. Jordain said the disease has spread to his spine and pelvis which led him to seek immediate and necessary treatment.
Jordan, who gave legendary driver Michael Schumacher his F1 debut in 1991, turned into his adversary after the driver asked for a teammate yield clause in his contract with Eddie's team. Eddie later claimed this move diminishes Schumacher's legacy. Moreover, when the former owner tried to reach out to the German driver after the latter's accident, he was disallowed access by his wife, Corinna Schumacher.
Eddie Jordan, a well-known name in F1, transitioned into motor racing after being a banker for a few years. He owned an F1 team called 'Jordan' that ran from 1991 to 2005. After selling the team to Midland Group in 2005, the Irish businessman switched to broadcasting. He appeared as an analyst for Channel 4 and the BBC and also hosts a podcast with former F1 driver David Coulthard.
On the same podcast, Jordan broke the news of his cancer diagnosis. He cited the example of former racing driver Sir Chris Hoy, who recovered from a similar illness, to promote the message of early testing and immediate treatment. The analyst also admitted to going through some of the darkest times during the recovery period.
"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," Jordan said (via Autosport).
"This is a little message, and everybody listen to this: Don’t waste or put it off. Go and get tested, because in life, you’ve got chances. And there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime," he added.
The former team owner also acts as the manager of British aerodynamicist Adrian Newey. Since his cancer diagnosis, Jordan has limited his public appearances but he did support Newey during his induction event with Aston Martin a couple of months ago. With his treatment currently underway, the 76-year-old is likely to be away from the public eye.
Jordan has been married to Marie, a former basketball player, since 1979 and has four children. The analyst spends his time in different cities throughout the year as he owns separate properties in Cape Town, London, and Monaco.
Eddie Jordan advises Lewis Hamilton to retire over Qatar GP comments
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan was displeased with Lewis Hamilton for saying that he was not fast anymore following the sprint race in the Qatar Grand Prix. The analyst said the statement suggested a drop in confidence, which is uncharacteristic of the British driver.
The 76-year-old mentioned Ferrari and told them to rip up his contract as he claimed Lewis no longer suits their vision. Jordan said on the Formula For Success podcast (via Express):
"At the moment what I heard from Lewis: 'I’m not fast enough anymore'. They were the words, I think. Honestly, if I was Ferrari, I would say: 'Close the book, find the way out'. That’s it. I think also, if it’s a little message to you, Lewis, if you’re out there, always remember in life."
"You’ve got your music, you’ve got your fashion, you’ve got all sorts of other things. You are, in most people’s view, the greatest driver of all time. Please remember what I’m going to say to you. Always, always think about the best exit. And this is the time to take the money off the table. Go," he added.
Eddie Jordan also went on to say that the seven-time world champion should retire from F1 and follow his other passions, including music.
Lewis Hamilton concluded his time with Mercedes following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He is set to drive for Ferrari from 2025 after signing a multi-year deal earlier this year.