Zanardi became a four-time Paralympic gold medal winner
Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.
The Italian sportsman had both legs amputated following a severe accident during a Champ Car race at Germany’s Lausitzring in 2001.
Zanardi’s F1 career included stints with Jordan, Minardi, and Lotus in the early 1990s. He later transitioned to the CART championship in the United States, securing series titles in 1997 and 1998, before returning to F1 with Williams for the 1999 season.
Following his injury, he embraced handcycling, achieving remarkable success with two gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympics and repeating the feat at Rio de Janeiro four years later.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May,” his family said in a statement.
“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.”
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Alex Zanardi talks to BBC Sport about becoming a champion handcyclist
Zanardi returned to motorsport after his crash, securing four victories for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005-09.
Beyond his Paralympic achievements, he amassed 12 world championship titles and triumphed in the men’s para-cycling race at the 2011 New York Marathon.
Born in Bologna, Zanardi sustained serious head injuries in 2020 after losing control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and colliding with an oncoming truck.
The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, stated, external that Zanardi’s “journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination”.
F1 observed a minute of silence in honor of Zanardi before Saturday’s sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 team principal, remarked that Zanardi “showed that even when life challenges you, it does not have to define you, and that adversity can be overcome with humility, humor and optimism.”
Wolff added: “His example will continue to inspire and act as a reminder of what true courage really looks like.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented, external that her country had lost “a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity”.
She added: “Alex Zanardi knew how to get back in the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional.
“With his sporting achievements, with his example, and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up.
“On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and the sincerest closeness to his family and to all those who loved him.
“Thank you for everything, Alex.”
Zanardi secured gold medals in the H4 time trial and H4 road race at London 2012, and was honored as the flagbearer for the Italian team at the closing ceremony.
At Rio 2016, he won gold in the H5 time trial and relay events.
The International Paralympic Committee described Zanardi as “a pioneer, icon and legend of the Paralympic movement”.
It further stated: “His performances were truly out of this world, engaged new fans to the Games, and showed the world that anything is possible.
“The iconic picture of him raising his handcycle above his head in victory at London 2012 will go down in history as one of the great sporting images. He will be remembered forever.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali characterized Zanardi as “an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete.”
Domenicali added, “He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all.”
“While his loss is profoundly felt, his legacy remains strong.”