Alex Zanardi 1966-2026

      Former Formula 1 driver, IndyCar champion, and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59 in his home.

      Zanardi's life and career were a testament to courage. After racing for Jordan and Lotus in the early '90s, the Italian driver returned to America, where he became a two-time CART champion with Chip Ganassi.

      This opened the door for him back into Formula 1, but his collaboration with Williams was unsuccessful, and Alex returned to the CART series, where in 2001 he suffered horrific injuries in a crash at Lausitzring, after which both of his legs were amputated.

      Even after these injuries, Zanardi returned to motorsport, competing in touring and participating in the 24-hour race in Daytona in a specially modified BMW M8. In 2006, he got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car – the BMW Sauber in Valencia.

      Additionally, he began competing in hand cycling, finishing fourth in the 2007 New York Marathon and winning in Rome in 2010.

      At the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, Zanardi, representing Italy, won two gold medals in the H4 class in the individual time trial and individual road race, the first of which he won at the Brands Hatch circuit.

      At the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Zanardi won gold in the individual race in the H5 category and in the mixed team relay in the H2-5 category. In total, he won 12 gold medals at world championships.

      Zanardi had not appeared in public since June 2020, when he was involved in a serious accident in Italy, colliding with a truck while training on a hand bike. He was airlifted to the hospital with severe facial injuries and underwent treatment until December 2021, after which he returned home.

      In a statement released by his family on social media, it said: "With deep sorrow, the family announces the sudden passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred last night, May 1.

      Alex passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. The family sincerely thanks everyone who offered support during these hours and asks to respect their grief and right to privacy during this time of mourning. Information about the funeral will be provided later."