Formula 1 had to say goodbye to former driver Alex Zanardi on Friday. He passed away at the age of 59. The life of the Italian – who raced 41 Grands Prix in the nineties – was marked by unprecedented determination. After losing both legs in a crash in the American CART Series, he remained active in motorsport and became a Paralympic handcycling champion. Among others, the FIA and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have expressed their condolences.
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“The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Zanardi, former F1 driver and two-time CART champion,” said a statement from the governing body. “His journey from a life-changing accident to a gold medal at the Paralympic Games made him one of the most admired athletes and a lasting symbol of courage and determination.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali responded via official channels to Zanardi’s passing. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend,” he said. “He was a true inspiration, both as a person and as an athlete. I will always carry his extraordinary strength with me. He faced challenges that would have broken anyone, but he kept looking forward – always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all. Although his loss is deeply felt, his legacy lives on. My sincere condolences go out to his wife Daniela, his son Niccolò, the rest of the family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
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Source of Inspiration
INDYCAR also responded to the sad news. “The INDYCAR community mourns the passing of Alex Zanardi,” shared the American racing series on Saturday. “As a two-time champion, fifteen-time race winner, and one of the most inspiring figures in the sport, his legacy on the track was only matched by the strength of his character.”
Zanardi raced his last F1 season for Williams in 1999. The team posted a photo of the Italian driver on social media. “Rest in peace, Alex Zanardi – a true inspiration, both on and off the track,” read the caption. The loss of the national sports hero is also felt in Italy. “Italy loses a great champion and an extraordinary person,” wrote Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Instagram. “He was able to turn every trial in life into a lesson of courage, strength, and dignity. With his sporting achievements, his example, and his humanity, he gave us all much more than victories. He gave us hope, pride, and the strength to never give up.”
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