Alex Zanardi: Former F1 driver and Paralympic champion dies at 59

After the accident, Zanardi returned to motorsport and won four World Touring Car Championships with BMW between 2005-09.

In addition to his Paralympic hand-cycling success, he is a 12-time world champion and won the men’s para-cycling title at the New York City Marathon in 2011.

Bologna-born Zanardi lost control of his manual bike during a road race in Tuscany in 2020 and crashed into an oncoming truck, suffering serious head injuries.

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, said, external Zanardi’s “journey from life-changing accident to Paralympic gold medalist has made him one of the most respected athletes in sport and an enduring symbol of courage and determination.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni said, external Her country had lost “a great champion and an extraordinary man who was able to turn every trial of life into lessons of courage, strength and dignity”.

She added: “Alex Zanardi knows how to come back every time and face the toughest challenges with truly remarkable determination, clarity and mental strength.

“With his sporting achievements, his example and his humanity, he gave us all more than just a victory: He gave us hope, pride and the strength to never give up.

“On behalf of myself and the government, I send my heartfelt thoughts and best regards to his family and all those who loved him.

“Thank you for everything, Alex.”

Zanardi won the H4 time trial and H4 road race titles at the 2012 London Olympics and was selected as the Italian team’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he won gold medals in the H5 time trial and relay.

The International Paralympic Committee called Zanardi “a pioneer, icon and legend of the Paralympic movement.”

It added: “His performances were truly unparalleled, attracting new fans to the Olympics and showing the world that anything is possible.

“The iconic photo of him holding his bicycle above his head in victory at the London 2012 Olympics will go down in history as one of the greatest sporting images. He will always be remembered.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali described Zanardi as “an inspirational man, both as a person and as a sportsman”.

Domenicali added: “He faced challenges that no one could stop, but he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a determination that inspired us all.”

“While his passing is deeply saddened, his legacy remains strong.”