Alan Jones was the first Formula 1 driver to win the World Drivers’ Championship for Williams, taking the title in 1980.
The Australian won five Grands Prix during the 1980 season and finished the year with 67 points, defeating Nelson Piquet of Brabham. Jones drove the Williams FW07, a ground-effect car that had become highly competitive after Williams developed it during the previous season.
The championship was the first Drivers’ title for Williams, which had entered Formula 1 in its modern form in 1977. Jones had already helped establish the team as a race-winning force in 1979, when he finished third in the championship and Williams secured its first Constructors’ title.
Jones remained with Williams for 1981 and finished runner-up to Piquet by a single point. Although Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill later became Williams champions, Jones was the driver who delivered the team’s first Drivers’ crown.