Beloved racer Alex Zanardi, who turned tragedy into Paralympic triumph, dead at 59
Alex Zanardi, the Italian Formula 1 driver who became a Paralympic champion after losing both legs in a racing accident, has died at the age of 59. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, though no cause of death was provided. Zanardi was widely celebrated for his resilience and courage in overcoming life-altering injuries to achieve athletic success.
- ▪Alex Zanardi died at the age of 59, with his family confirming he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
- ▪He lost both legs in a 2001 CART racing accident and later became a Paralympic cycling champion.
- ▪Zanardi won back-to-back CART championships in 1997 and 1998 before returning to Formula 1 briefly.
- ▪He suffered serious injuries in a 2020 handbike accident, which left him with facial and cranial trauma.
- ▪Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Zanardi as an extraordinary man who faced life's challenges with courage and dignity.
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Formula One Beloved racer Alex Zanardi, who turned tragedy into Paralympic triumph, dead at 59 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remembered Zanardi as 'a great champion' By Chantz Martin Fox News Published May 2, 2026 9:22pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Fox News Flash top sports headlines for May 2 Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The auto racing world is mourning the loss of Alex Zanardi. The Italian Formula 1 driver, who later became a Paralympic champion after two life-altering accidents, has died, his family announced Saturday. He was 59.
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