Alex Zanardi, the Italian former Formula 1 driver and two-time CART champion who later became a multiple Paralympic gold medalist in handcycling, has died at the age of 59. His family announced the news in a statement on Saturday.

'Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones,' the statement read. The cause of death was not disclosed, but Zanardi suffered severe head injuries in a road accident while riding his handbike in Siena, Italy, in 2020.

Zanardi was regarded as one of the brightest prospects of his generation in motorsport, but his Formula 1 career never fully took off. Driving for uncompetitive teams such as Jordan, Minardi, and Lotus, his best finish was sixth place.

However, he found success in the now-defunct CART series in North America with Chip Ganassi Racing, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998. He returned to F1 with Williams but struggled, before going back to CART.

In 2001, Zanardi suffered a life-changing crash at the Lausitzring in Germany. His car was hit at full speed by another driver, resulting in the amputation of both legs—one at the hip and one at the knee.

Despite his injuries, Zanardi returned to racing in modified cars and also took up handcycling, winning four gold and two silver medals for Italy at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games.

Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. The FIA called him an 'enduring symbol of courage and determination.' F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hailed his 'dear friend' as an 'inspirational person.' Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy had lost 'a great champion and an extraordinary man.'

Source: www.dw.com