Ex-F1 driver and Paralympic champion Zanardi diesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zanardi became a four-time Paralympic gold medal winner Published50 minutes agoFormer Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59.The Italian had both his legs amputated after a motor racing accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany.He raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the Cart championship in the United States, winning the series in 1997 and 1998.Following his injury he took up handcycling and won two golds in the Paralympics in London in 2012 before doing the same in Rio de Janeiro four years later.”It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May,” Zanardi’s family revealed.”Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.”The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.”Figure caption, Alex Zanardi talks to BBC Sport about becoming a champion handcyclistZanardi was also a 12-time handbike world champion and won the men’s para-cycling race at New York marathon in 2011.He suffered serious head injuries in 2020 when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck.More to follow.Related topicsMotorsport
