Alex Zanardi dead: Tributes to former F1 driver and four-time Paralympic gold-medallist
Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as a symbol of ‘the strength to never give up’ in the face of adversity
Alex Zanardi, the inspirational four-time Paralympic gold medallist and former Formula One driver, has died at the age of 59. His death was confirmed on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of tributes. Born in Bologna, Zanardi competed in Formula One for five seasons, achieving a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix.
A major crash in 2001 resulted in the amputation of both his legs, a life-altering event he remarkably overcame. He went on to become a Paralympic champion, securing two para-cycling gold medals at the London Games in 2012, and two more in Rio de Janeiro four years later. A multiple winner at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, most recently in 2019, another serious accident in 2020 led to a further lengthy lay-off.
“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. Before Zanardi turned his hand to the CART championship he raced for Team Jordan, Minardi and Team Lotus in F1. Alex Zanardi competed in Formula One for five seasons (PA) 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. 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.