The former F1 driver and two-time Paralympic cycling champion Alex Zanardi has died aged fifty-nine. The Italian had both his legs amputated after a motor racing accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring in Germany.
Zanardi raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the CART championship in the United States, winning the series in 1997 and 1998. Following his life-changing accident, he took up para-cycling, where he won two golds in both London and Rio de Janeiro.
A statement said, “It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May. Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.”
Whether he had four wheels or three beneath him mattered even less. Because people like him – paraphrasing a famous songwriter from New Jersey – are, for better or worse, born to race. 1st May is no ordinary day or weekend in motorsport; the events of Imola in 1994, still cast a dark shadow over this weekend.
The Italian’s career was truly extraordinary was the story of a boy from Bologna, born in 1966 and raised in Castel Maggiore, near Imola. Close to a regional capital, yes, but still a modest town – provincial in every sense.
Zanardi’s career was a rapid rise through the late 1980s through F3 and F3000 his first taste of F1 came with Jordan. His grand prix debut came in 1990 Barcelona, where he finished ninth, followed that up with the same result in Adelaide and a full-time drive followed.
But his life was changed by the events of 9/11; he was due to race in America and was unable to get there. He decided to race Germany in a CART event in 2001 when both of his legs were severed in a horrific accident.
He lost control of his car and was struck by Alex Tagliani. In the impact, the Bologna driver lost both legs. His condition immediately appeared desperate, and despite the enormous blood loss and coming close to death, he survived.
Against all odds and several operations survived, returning home. The same humour he showed at the Autosprint Golden Helmets awards, when, just weeks after the Lausitzring accident, he stood up from his wheelchair and said on stage: “It’s been a long time since I’ve been this emotional. I’m so emotional my legs are shaking.”
There were tears, laughter, applause – for a young man in a sober grey suit, whose eyes said everything words could not. While continuing his racing career, another career followed with handcycling.
On his return to racing for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship, four world championships from 2005-09.
The New York Marathon, the World Championships, and the London Paralympics in 2012, where he won two gold medals and one silver. Another triumph. When Alex decided something was for him, no one could match him. One of the defining images of the games was him crossing the finish line at Brands Hatch with gold.
Medals also followed in Rio but tinged also by death in the cycling of Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad, who crashed on a “mountainous stretch” of the circuit in Grumari, after being treated on site for head injuries.
But despite a tragic career in both racing and cycling, Zanardi’s spirit, will and determination gave the beloved Italian a larger-than-life persona. Noted for his infectious smile and fanciful storytelling, Zanardi was praised widely.
In 2020, Zanardi was seriously injured in a hand bike accident after crashing into an oncoming truck during a relay event in Tuscany. Zanardi suffered serious facial and cranial trauma in the crash and was put in a medically induced coma.
Pope Francis, after his 2020 crash as an example of strength amid adversity. Francis penned a handwritten letter of encouragement assuring Zanardi and his family of his prayers.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said, “Alex Zanardi knew how to bounce back every time, facing even the toughest challenges with determination, clarity and a strength of spirit that was truly exceptional.”
“With his sporting achievements, with his example and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up. On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my heartfelt thoughts and the sincerest closeness to his family and to all those who loved him. Thank you for everything, Alex.”
More tributes will be expected throughout the day, as news reaches the paddock in Miami with the news breaking in Europe this morning.
