(Motorsport-Total.com) – The motorsport world mourns Alessandro “Alex” Zanardi. As his family confirmed today via the social channels of his project Obiettivo3, the former Formula 1 driver, CART champion, and multiple Paralympic winner passed away on May 1 at the age of 59. His death occurred nearly six years after his serious handbike accident in Tuscany.
Read more Formula 1: FIA rules cause new problems in Miami
“With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which suddenly occurred yesterday evening, on May 1,” reads the official statement from the family. “Alex peacefully fell asleep surrounded by his loved ones. The family thanks everyone who shows their support during this time and asks for respect for their grief and privacy. Details about the funeral will be announced at a later date.”
Zanardi was born in 1966 in Bologna and grew up in Castel Maggiore. His career followed the classic path through karting, which he started at the age of 14. After successes in Italian Formula 3 and Formula 3000, he made his Formula 1 debut in 1991 at the Spanish Grand Prix for Jordan, finishing ninth. In the following years, he also raced for Minardi and Lotus.
The turning point at Lausitzring 2001
However, he cemented his status as an international superstar in the United States. From 1995, he competed for Chip Ganassi’s team in the CART series. With two championship titles and his distinctive driving style, he became a fan favorite in America.
On September 15, 2001, Zanardi’s life changed fundamentally. During a race at the Lausitzring, he lost control of his car when leaving the pit lane. Alex Tagliani’s vehicle could no longer avoid him and hit Zanardi’s car from the side. Zanardi lost both legs in the crash and was in critical condition due to massive blood loss.
Alessandro
Despite an emergency baptism by the IndyCar chaplain in the Berlin hospital, Zanardi fought his way back. After 15 operations and six weeks in the hospital, he began his rehabilitation. He never lost his sense of humor. At the “Caschi d’Oro” award ceremony by Autosprint, just a few weeks after the accident when he stood up from his wheelchair, he joked on stage: “I haven’t been this emotional in a long time. I am so moved that my legs are shaking.”
Read more Formula 1 Live Ticker: Sprint and Qualifying in Miami live
Second career and the accident in Tuscany
Zanardi not only returned to motorsport, where he competed in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for BMW among others, but also began a second world career in handbiking. He won the marathons of New York and Rome as well as a total of four gold medals at the Paralympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.
However, on June 19, 2020, another severe misfortune occurred. During a stage of the relay race “Obiettivo 3” in Tuscany, Zanardi lost control of his handbike and collided with an oncoming truck.
After numerous operations in Siena and Padua as well as stays in rehabilitation facilities in Ravenna, he returned home permanently in September 2022. Since then, there has been silence about his health condition until now, when the news of his passing shook the sports world.
Alex Zanardi leaves behind a legacy that goes far beyond sport. He was seen as a symbol of resilience and joie de vivre, inspiring people worldwide through his actions and unwavering courage.
Read more Lando Norris stops Mercedes streak: McLaren surprises in Miami