Welcome to Quick Q – Monday Media’s weekly series dedicated to finding out more about the personalities that matter most in the media landscape.
Each week, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age ask figures across corporate media, business, sport, federal politics, radio, television and culture to answer questions about their lives, careers, hobbies and news habits.
This week’s conversation is with Alan Jones, Network 10 Formula 1 and winner of the 1980 Formula 1 World Championship.
Alan Jones driving on his way to winning the 1980 Australian Grand Prix at Calder on November 16, 1980.
How did you get your big break?
In racing, it was Harry Stiller, he was the first person to put me in a Formula 1 car in 1974 in a Formula Atlantic. On the broadcasting front when I came back from overseas, I got asked by the local Australian Formula 1 broadcaster at the time if I’d like to do some commentary and I said yes.
What are daily news media habits?
Every morning I go onto nine.com and Facebook, and check my email for daily news.
Which living person do you most admire?
My wife, Amanda. Every day she inspires me.
Your guilty streaming pleasure?
Peaky Blinders, Yellowstone, Gangs of London, any of those sorts of things I love it, and stream them all the time.
Alan Jones (right) after winning the United States Grand Prix West on March 15, 1981. Credit:Getty Images
Which phrase do you overuse?
“The squeaky axle gets the grease” – if you speak up and squeak up enough you get the results.
What did you want to do when you grew up?
Race cars, I always wanted to race cars. I grew up in that environment, my father raced cars and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.
What was your first job?
Selling cars for the old man, at a Holden dealership.
Facebook or Instagram?
Facebook.
Recommend a podcast…
I don’t listen to podcasts.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Being perfect.
Alan Jones, the perfect formula. Credit:Paul Rovere
The song that’s always on high rotation?
I don’t mind – I like all sorts of music to be honest. But particularly, anything French Latina.
What are you reading?
I’m not reading a book at the moment, so just online articles daily.
Favourite movie of the past decade?
Top Gun: Maverick.
Top of your sporting bucket list?
The US Masters.
Alan Jones’ top pick of the decade is Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise.Credit:Paramount Pictures
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The cheapest thing that you can give to anyone is manners.
What are the three things you couldn’t live without?
Cold beer, red wine, and oxygen.
The 2023 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is on the weekend of March 31-April 2 on Network 10.
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