Former F1 Driver And Paralympian Zanardi Dies Aged 59

ROME, May 2 (Bernama-dpa) -- Former Formula One driver and Paralympian Alessandro 'Alex' Zanardi has died at the age of 59, German Press Agency (dpa) reported, quoting a statement by his family on Saturday.

The Italian lost both legs in a car racing accident at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany in 2001.

He then took up para-cycling and won four gold medals and two silver medals in hand-cycling at the Paralympics.

Zanardi competed in more than 40 Formula One races between 1991 and 1999. He drove for Lotus and Williams, among others, where he was a team-mate of Ralf Schumacher.

After his Formula One career ended, he suffered the life-changing accident after a pit stop during a Champ Car race at the Lausitzring.

He later enjoyed success in cycling at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In 2020, he lost control of his hand-bike during a charity race in Tuscany and collided with a lorry. He suffered severe head and facial injuries and his life was in danger for some time.

His family did not provide details about the cause of death. They said Zanardi died suddenly on Friday evening.

"Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones," their statement said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Zanardi as an "extraordinary man who was able to turn every test in life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity.

"With his sporting achievements, his example and his humanity, he gave all of us far more than just a victory: he gave us hope, pride and the strength never to give up."

--BERNAMA-dpa