Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi, whose life was marked by two catastrophic accidents and remarkable comebacks, has died at 59. His family announced on Saturday that he passed away on Friday night.
“Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him,” the family said in a statement, without giving a cause of death.
In 2020 Zanardi was seriously injured in a handbike accident when he collided with an oncoming truck during a relay event in Tuscany. He suffered severe facial and cranial trauma and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Almost two decades earlier he lost both legs in a devastating racing crash. Zanardi had won two CART championships in the United States before a brief move to Formula 1. He was racing in Germany for CART in 2001 when the accident cost him his legs; the event took place the weekend after the September 11 attacks, when the series remained in Europe.
During rehabilitation he designed his own prosthetics — joking that he had made himself taller — and relearned to walk. He then turned to hand cycling and became one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, winning four gold medals and two silver medals across the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. He also competed in the New York City Marathon and set an Ironman record.
Italian premier Giorgia Meloni paid tribute, saying Italy had “lost a great champion and an extraordinary man” who turned hardships into lessons of courage, strength and dignity. Meloni praised Zanardi’s determination and said his example gave people hope and pride.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a dear friend, describing Zanardi as an inspirational figure who faced overwhelming challenges with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired many.
Zanardi remained a revered figure within motorsport. When he returned to the US in 2019 to compete for BMW at the Rolex 24 at Daytona without his prosthetics, fellow drivers — including F1 champion Fernando Alonso — sought him out for photos and conversation. Known for an infectious smile and vivid storytelling, he shared tales of his life and adventures since the accident.
After the 2020 crash, Pope Francis wrote a handwritten letter of encouragement to Zanardi and his family, praising his example of strength in adversity.
Zanardi’s family thanked everyone offering support and asked for respect while they mourn. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
