Former F1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies aged 59

Four-time Paralympic gold-medallist and former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59, his family has said.

Zanardi, from Bologna, Italy, made his F1 debut in 1991, and competed for five seasons, achieving a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix.

But his life changed dramatically when he was involved in a major crash in 2001, which resulted in both of his legs being amputated.

Zanardi recovered from his life-changing operation to become a Paralympic champion of para-cycling and one of Italy’s most decorated Paralympians.

He first competed in the London Games in 2012 and claimed two gold medals, before gaining another two in Rio de Janeiro four years later.

Zanardi also won multiple times at the UCI para-cycling Road World Championships and most recently in Emmen in 2019.

In 2020, he suffered another serious accident after being struck by a truck while competing in a charity para-cycling relay in Tuscany, causing him serious head injuries.

After more than a year of treatment, he returned home, and his condition was kept confidential until the news of his passing.

Zanardi was a F1 driver before he was involved in a crash in 2001 / Credit: PA

“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.”

Marco Giunio De Sanctis, president of the Italian Paralympic Committee, said Zanardi was a champion and an athlete “capable of rewriting history” in a statement shared by the Olympic Games.

“Above all, he was the one who truly launched the Paralympic Movement, making a decisive contribution to the spread of its culture, in Italy and around the world,” he said.

“He was a great communicator, a man capable of connecting with everyone through his simplicity and strength. He could have held any role, because he was an extraordinary champion in sport and in life. His immediacy, his authenticity, and his humanity will remain an indelible legacy.”

The FIA, the global governing body of motor sport, paid tribute to Zanardi in a social media post.

“The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, two-time CART champion whose 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,” it said.