Four-time Paralympic gold medalist and former Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi has died. He was 59 years old.
Born in Bologna, Zanardi competed in Formula 1 for five seasons and achieved a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix, before having both his legs amputated as a result of a major accident in 2001.
Zanardi recovered from his life-changing operation to become a Paralympic champion, first competing at the London Games in 2012 and winning two gold medals in the para-cycling category, followed by two more gold medals in Rio de Janeiro four years later.
Multiple winner at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships and most recently in Emmen in 2019, a serious crash a year later resulted in another long layoff.
Zanardi’s death was confirmed on Saturday and tributes poured in.
“The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, former Formula 1 driver and two-time CART champion, whose journey from life-changing accident to Paralympic gold medalist made him one of the sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination,” it said in a statement.
Zanardi raced for Team Jordan, Minardi and Team Lotus in F1 before trying his hand in the CART championship.
The switch to CART proved successful as he achieved consecutive championship successes driving for Chip Ganassi before a brief return to F1 with Williams.
Zanardi’s accident in 2001 put his career and life on a different path, but success still came in abundance.
F1 chairman Stefano Domenicali said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational figure, both as a human being and as an athlete.”
“I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he always moved forward with a smile and a determination that inspired us all.
“Although his loss is deeply felt, his legacy remains strong. At this time, my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies go out to his wife Daniela, his son Niccolo, the rest of his family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
After Zanardi was able to drive again, at first with the aid of hand-operated brake and accelerator controls, a car was modified to allow the use of his prosthetic legs in the 2003 European Touring Car Championship at Monza.
He was even able to step back into an F1 car for testing, but he quickly turned his attention to the next big goal and, after completing several marathons, hand cycling was a way to return to the podium.
Won his first Paralympic gold medal in the men’s road time trial H4 at the London Games in 2012, followed a few days later by the individual H4 road race.
Two more victories followed at the next Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, this time in the H5 men’s time trial and mixed team relay, putting Zanardi’s name in the history books.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised her as a symbol of “the strength to never give up” in the face of adversity.
“Italy lost a great champion and an extraordinary man, who was able to turn every trial of life into a lesson of courage, strength and dignity,” Meloni wrote on Instagram.
“Alex Zanardi knew how to get back into the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity and simple willpower.
“By his sporting achievements, by his example and by his humanity, he has given us all much more than victories: he has given us hope, pride and the strength to never give up.”
