New Delhi, May 2: Alex Zanardi passed away on Saturday at the age of 59. His family confirmed the news in a statement. According to the family, the former champion took his last breath peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends.
Zanardi was renowned worldwide for his remarkable comeback. In 2001, he lost both legs in a racing accident, which ended his motor racing career. However, Zanardi did not give up and made a name for himself in para-cycling. Representing Italy, he participated in the Paralympic Games in 2012 and 2016, where he won four gold and two silver medals.
The family announced, “With great sadness, we confirm the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, who left us on the evening of May 1. Alex passed away peacefully, with family and friends by his side. The family sincerely thanks everyone for their support during this time and requests respect for their grief and privacy during this period of mourning.”
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational figure both as a person and an athlete. I will always remember his extraordinary courage. He faced challenges that could have stopped anyone, yet he always looked forward, with a smile and a determination that inspired us all. While the sadness of his loss is profound, his legacy will endure. My thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccolò, the rest of his family, and all those fortunate enough to know him.”
This Italian athlete was one of the most recognized faces in motorsport, participating in 41 Grands Prix with Jordan, Minardi, Lotus, and Williams during the 1990s. Zanardi’s best years came in 1993 and 1994 with Lotus, where he achieved his career-best sixth place in Brazil. This racing icon suffered severe injuries in a road accident in Italy in 2020 while riding his handbike in northern Italy’s Siena.
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