Alex Zanardi, the Italian motor racing champion-turned-Paralympic gold medalist whose career was marked by two life-altering accidents, has died. He was 59.
Born in Bologna, Zanardi competed in Formula One for five seasons and achieved a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix before a major crash in 2001 resulted in both of his legs being amputated.
The Italian raced for Formula One teams Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in the early 1990s before competing in the Cart championship in the United States. He won the series in 1997 and 1998.
He was racing in Germany in a CART event in 2001 when both of his legs were severed in the horrific accident at Lausitzring, the weekend after the September 11 terrorist attacks. CART raced only because the series was already in Germany at the time of the attacks and could not return to the U.S.
Zanardi recovered from his life-changing operation to become a Paralympic champion, firstly competing in the London Games in 2012 and claiming two gold medals in the para-cycling category before two more followed in Rio de Janeiro four years later.
Former Formula One star Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59, his family have said
Zanardi, pictured with Ralf Schumacher (left), before a racing crash meant he lost both of his legs. He went on to win four Paralympic gold medals (right)
Zanardi lost both of his legs in an auto-racing crash that changed his life forever
In 2020, Zanardi was seriously injured in a handbike accident after crashing into an oncoming truck during a relay event in Tuscany. Zanardi suffered serious facial and cranial trauma in the crash and was put in a medically induced coma.
Zanardi´s family announced his death on Saturday, saying that he passed away on Friday night.
‘Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him,’ the family said in a statement without providing a cause of death.
‘Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every challenge of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity,’ Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said on X.
‘Alex Zanardi knew how to bounce back every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity, and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional,’ Meloni added. ‘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.’
During his recovery, Zanardi designed his own prosthetics – he joked that he made himself taller – and learned to walk again. He then turned his attention to hand cycling and developed into one of the most accomplished athletes in the world. He won four gold medals and two silvers at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, competed in the New York City Marathon and set an Ironman record.
His spirit, will, and determination gave the beloved Italian a larger than life persona. When he returned to the U.S. in 2019 to compete for BMW at the Rolex 24 of Daytona without his prosthetics, he was the most revered driver in a field that included F1 champion Fernando Alonso.
‘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,’ a statement read.
The Italian raced for Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams during his career in motorsport
Zanardi designed his own prosthetics during his recovery before becoming a Paralympian
F1 president Stefano Domenicali said in a statement: ‘I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete.
‘I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. 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. At this time, my heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccolo, the rest of the family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.’
After Zanardi was able to drive again, firstly with the aid of a hand-operated brake and accelerator controls, a car was modified to allow the use of his prosthetic feet in the 2003 European Touring Car Championship at Monza.
He was even able to step foot back into a F1 car for testing, but quickly shifted his focus to the next big goal and, after completing numerous marathons, hand-cycling was a way to return to the podium.
Drivers from around the world sought out Zanardi for photographs and were transfixed as he told elaborate tales of his adventures in the nearly two decades since many had seen him.
Noted for his infectious smile and fanciful storytelling, Zanardi was praised by Pope Francis after his 2020 crash as an example of strength amid adversity. Francis penned a handwritten letter of encouragement assuring Zanardi and his family of his prayers.
Zanardi´s family added that it ‘thanks everyone who is sharing their support right now and asks for respect during this time of mourning.’
Funeral details were still to be announced, the family said.
