Former F1 driver and Paralympian Alex Zanardi passes away aged 59

Former Formula 1 driver-turned-Paralympic athlete Alex Zanardi has passed away at the age of 59.

The Italian was one of motorsport's most popular characters, competing in Formula 1 in the 1990s with Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams across 41 Grands Prix.

His strongest stint was with Lotus in 1993 and 1994 – with the Italian scoring a career-best sixth-place finish in Brazil.

He won two IndyCar titles – but on a second stint in the series in 2001, he suffered a major crash at Germany's high-speed Lausiztzring.

Zanardi survived but only after both legs were amputated – one at the knee, one at the hip.

The Italian returned to racing less than two years after that accident, competing in the European Touring Car Championship in a specially controlled car. He moved up to World Touring Cars and subsequently returned to the top step of the podium.

Alongside his racing exploits, Zanardi took up handcycling. He competed for Italy in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, winning four gold medals and two silvers.

The racing icon suffered severe injuries in a road accident in Italy in 2020, while riding his hand bike in Siena in northern Italy.

Paying tribute to his friend and compatriot, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “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 Niccolò, the rest of the family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”