Four-time Paralympic gold-medallist and former F1 driver Alex Zanardi dies

By Press Association Sport staff

Four-time Paralympic gold-medallist and former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi has died aged 59.

Born in Bologna, Zanardi competed in Formula One for five seasons and achieved a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix before a major crash in 2001 resulted in both of his legs being amputated.

Zanardi recovered from his life-changing operation to become a Paralympic champion, firstly competing in the London Games in 2012 and claiming two gold medals in the para-cycling category before two more followed in Rio de Janeiro four years later.

A multiple winner at the UCI para-cycling Road World Championships and most recently in 2019 in Emmen, another serious accident a year later resulted in another lengthy lay-off.

The death of Zanardi was confirmed on Saturday and sparked an outpouring of tributes.

“The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, two-time CART champion whose journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination,” a statement read.