By Matt Majendie BBC Sport Online

A host of Formula One stars have said the sport will be a poorer place without Eddie Irvine.

The Ulsterman said on Wednesday he would not be driving in F1 this season after talks for a drive with Jordan broke down.

World champion Michael Schumacher, Eddie Jordan and Allan McNish all agree that Irvine's departure is a major blow to F1.

And Scotland's McNish, who competed against Irvine for Toyota in last year's title race, believes he will be irreplaceable.

We need personalities in F1 - it always makes things more entertaining Renault's Allan McNish

"Every sport needs characters," the Renault test driver told BBC Sport Online.

"And there's no doubting that Eddie was a character.

"Eddie is irreplaceable. For one, the driver parades will certainly be quieter without him.

"We need those sorts of personalities in F1. It always makes things more entertaining."

Meanwhile, Schumacher expressed his sadness at Irvine's exit from F1.

The former team-mate of Irvine said a "piece of glamour" was disappearing from the sport.

He said: "When Eddie and I were driving together at Ferrari we got along very well and had a lot of fun, very unlikely because we are so different.

He's done well out of F1 and the sport has been richer for his colourful and intelligent presence Eddie Jordan F1 team boss

"I think it is not only me who will miss him - there will be a piece of glamour disappearing from Formula One."

Team owner Eddie Jordan could not afford to take Irvine unless the driver brought sponsorship funding.

Jordan said: "It's a sad day for F1 that Eddie can't continue.

"He started his F1 career with Jordan and scored points on his debut.

"Since then, with Jordan, Ferrari especially and Jaguar, he has shown great style and lots of character.

"He's done well out of F1 and the sport has been richer for his colourful and intelligent presence."

Jordan said their driver line-up had not been finalised, but the Brazilian former Sauber driver Felipe Massa is said to be the favourite for a seat alongside Giancarlo Fisichella.