Alex Zanardi died at the age of 59. © Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images/AFP

Italy's sports world mourns: Alex Zanardi is dead.

Former Formula One driver and later Paralympic athlete Alessandro Zanardi has died at the age of 59, his family announced.

02 May 2026

From: dpa

The Italian lost both legs in a racing accident at the Lausitzring in Brandenburg in 2001. Afterwards, he took up cycling in the Paralympic sport for people with disabilities and won four gold and two silver medals with his handbike at the Paralympics.

Zanardi competed in more than 40 Formula 1 races between 1991 and 1999, driving for teams including Lotus and Williams. After retiring from Formula 1, he suffered a serious accident following a pit stop during a Champ Car race at the Lausitzring. Both his legs had to be amputated. He later achieved success in cycling at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games.

Another serious accident in 2020

But the Italian's ordeal was not yet over: in 2020, Zanardi lost control of his handbike during a charity race in Tuscany and collided with a truck. He suffered severe head and facial injuries and was in critical condition for a long time.

A role model for many: Alex Zanardi © AFP / ANDREAS SOLARO

The family did not provide further details regarding the cause of death. Zanardi passed away suddenly on Friday evening. "Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones," their statement read.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Zanardi as "an extraordinary person who could turn every trial in life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity." "With his sporting achievements, his example, and his humanity, he gave us all much more than just a victory: he gave us hope, pride, and the strength never to give up."