Former F1 star Alex Zanardi ‘dies suddenly’ aged 59

Zandari went onto win gold in two Paralympics after losing his legs (Picture: Getty)

Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One star who lost both legs in crash, has died at the age of 59.

The Italian driver passed away ‘suddenly’ surrounded by his family on Friday.

Zandari made his F1 debut in 1991, losing both his legs in an accident in September 2001. He then turned his attention to hand cycling, winning four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

In 2020, Zanardi suffered another serious accident while competing in a handbike event, leading to severe head injuries which saw him placed in a medically-induced coma.

‘It is with deep sorrow ​that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday ‌evening, ⁠1 May,’ Zandari’s family said in a statement.

‘Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him.’

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