Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic gold medallist Alex Zanardi has passed away at the age of 59.
His death was announced on Saturday in a statement from his family, who said he died on Friday night.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly on the evening of yesterday, May 1,” read the statement.
“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. The family sincerely thanks everyone who has shown support in these hours and asks for respect for their grief and privacy at this time of mourning. Information regarding the funeral will be shared at a later date.”
Zanardi’s racing and cycling career
Zanardi made his F1 debut in 1991 and became one of the most popular figures in the sport, competing throughout the 1990s with Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams with 41 Grand Prix starts.
Most of his F1 success came during his 1993-94 stint with Lotus, where he recorded a career-best sixth-place finish at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Following his F1 career, he raced in IndyCar (then known as the CART series), winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998. He then returned to Formula 1 for the 1991 season, racing with Williams.
During a second stint in the US series in 2001, Zanardi suffered a major crash at the high-speed Lausitzring in Germany, in which he lost both of his legs.
Following the accident, the Italian returned to racing less than two years later to compete in the European Touring Car Championship, returning to the top step of the podium there.
Alongside his racing endeavours, Zanardi took up handcycling and represented Italy in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games, winning four gold medals and two silvers.
In 2020, the racing champion was seriously injured in a road accident in Italy while competing in a charity paracycling relay. He spent years undergoing treatment for his injuries.
Domenicali pays tribute to ‘dear friend’ Zanardi
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to his friend Zanardi in a statement.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi,” he said.
“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 Niccolò, the rest of the family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
