Ex-F1 driver and Paralympic champion Zanardi dies

Zanardi became a four-time Paralympic gold medal winner [Getty Images] Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59. The Italian had both his legs amputated after a motor racing accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany. He raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the Cart championship in the United States, winning the series in 1997 and 1998.

Following his injury he took up handcycling and won two golds in the Paralympics in London in 2012 before doing the same in 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," Zanardi's family announced. "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. " Zanardi returned to motorsport after his crash, winning four times for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship from 2005-09. In addition to his handcycling success at the Paralympics, he became a 12-time world champion and won the men's para-cycling race at the New York marathon in 2011.

Zanardi suffered serious head injuries in 2020 when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck. Formula 1's governing body the FIA said 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". Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said 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".