Alex Zanardi dead: Tributes to former F1 driver and four-time Paralympic gold medallist

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.

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.

“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 Niccolo, the rest of the family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

After Zanardi was able to drive again, firstly with the aid of a hand-operated brake and accelerator controls, a car was modified to allow the use of his prosthetic feet in the 2003 European Touring Car Championship at Monza.

He was even able to step foot back into a F1 car for testing, but quickly shifted his focus to the next big goal and, after completing numerous marathons, hand-cycling was a way to return to the podium.

A first Paralympic gold medal followed at the men’s road time trial H4 at the London Games in 2012 before he secured the individual H4 road race days later.

The next Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro produced two more wins, this time in the H5 men’s time trial and mixed team relay, to further etch Zanardi’s name into the history books.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as a symbol of “the strength to never give up” in the face of adversity.

“Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every test of life into a lesson of courage, strength and dignity,” Meloni wrote on Instagram.

“Alex Zanardi knew how to get back in the game every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity and an out of the ordinary will.

“With his sporting achievements, with his example and with his humanity, he has given all of us much more than a victory: he has given hope, pride and the strength to never give up.”