Former Formula 1 driver Alessandro Zanardi, who became Paralympic cycling champion after losing his legs in a serious accident, died on Friday night (1st), aged 59, according to a family statement.
Without stating the cause of death, a post made on the profile of the charitable association he founded, Obiettivo3, reported that he passed away “suddenly”, but also “in peace, surrounded by the love of his family and friends”.
The Italian native of Bologna was considered primarily responsible for transforming the perception of disability in his country.
Zanardi debuted in F1 in 1991, having raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus, and later achieved success in the extinct Cart series, in the United States, formerly Formula Indy, of which he was champion in 1997 and 1998. He had another stint in F1 in 1999, with Williams, before returning to Cart.
In September 2001, he suffered a serious accident at the Lausitzring circuit, in Germany, and had both legs amputated. His car was stopped in the middle of the track after a spin and was hit by another vehicle at more than 300 km/h.
He then dedicated himself to paracycling and became one of the best-known figures in Paralympic sport: he won four gold medals and two silver medals in London-2012 and Rio-2016.
In 2020, he was seriously injured in another accident, when he was hit by a truck while competing in a charity paracycling relay in Tuscany. He suffered head injuries and spent years in treatment.
“Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of transforming every trial in life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“Alex Zanardi knew how to rise again every time, facing even the most difficult challenges with determination, lucidity and a truly exceptional strength of spirit.”
The FIA (International Automobile Federation) said that Zanardi’s career “made him one of the sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination.”
F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali remembered Zanardi for his “extraordinary strength”.
“He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone in his tracks, but he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a dogged determination that inspired us all. While his loss will be deeply felt, his legacy remains strong,” he added.
The Italian Olympic Committee called for a minute of silence at all sporting events in Italy over the weekend in honor of Zanardi.
Com AFP and Reuters (Gianluca Semeraro and Suramya Kaushik)
