Former F1 star Alex Zanardi ‘dies suddenly’ aged 59

Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One star who went onto become a Paralympic hero after losing both legs in crash, has died at the age of 59.

The Italian driver passed away ‘suddenly’ surrounded by his family on Friday.

Zandari made his F1 debut in 1991, losing both his legs in an accident in September 2001. He then turned his attention to hand cycling, winning four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

In 2020, Zanardi suffered another serious accident while competing in a handbike event, leading to severe head injuries which saw him placed in a medically-induced coma.

‘It is with deep sorrow ​that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday ‌evening, ⁠1 May,’ Zandari’s family said in a statement.

‘Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him.’

A statement from F1’s governing body said: ‘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.’

Zandari raced for Team Jordan, Minardi and Team Lotus in F1 before moving over to CART [Championship Auto Racing Teams].

The switch to CART proved successful as he delivered consecutive championship successes for Chip Ganassi before a brief return to F1 with Williams.

Zanardi’s crash in 2001 sent his career and life on a different trajectory, but success still followed in abundance.

A first Paralympic gold medal followed at the men’s road time trial H4 at the London Games in 2012 before he secured the individual H4 road race days later.

The next Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro produced two more wins, this time in the H5 men’s time trial and mixed team relay, to further etch Zanardi’s name into the history books.

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.’