Bologna, Italy. Motor racing and the wider sporting world mourned Alex Zanardi on Saturday after the former Formula One driver and CART champion died at 59. Zanardi later became an inspirational Paralympic gold medallist after losing his legs in a racing crash.
Racing career in Formula One and CART
Zanardi, from Bologna, made his Formula One debut in 1991. He won the U.S.-based CART series in 1997 and 1998 and returned to Formula One with Williams in 1999.
2001 crash and recovery
In September 2001, Zanardi was involved in a high-speed crash during a CART race at Germany’s Lausitzring while leading. He had both legs amputated above the knee, with his heart stopping seven times as he lost all but a litre of blood.
He later said he found hope by seeing others overcome similar problems. “It is just the way I am, a very optimistic guy, very positive,” he said years later. “When you have a problem, you have to have the capability to look around. You should not shut all the doors and think only about your problem.”
Return to racing and Paralympic success
Zanardi returned to the cockpit in 2003, completing the missing 13 laps of the Lausitzring race with hand controls installed, and also raced in the European Touring Car Championship.
He later turned to para-cycling, becoming one of Italy’s most successful Paralympic athletes and winning four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games.
Family statement
“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May,” his family said in a statement. “Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.”
What do you remember most about Alex Zanardi’s career and achievements?
