Ex F1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies ‘suddenly’ aged 59

Zanardi's family has released a statement

Zanardi's family released a statement that he died Friday night (May 1).

"It is with deep sorrow ​that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday ‌evening, ⁠1 May," they said.

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

Zanardi made his Formula 1 debut in 1991 before going on to find success in the CART series in the United States, where he won consecutive championships in 1997 and 1998.

Zanardi lost both his legs in a racing crash in September 2001. He then pursued hand cycling and went on to win four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

In 2020, he suffered serious injuries after being hit by a truck while competing in a charity para-cycling relay in Tuscany.

He sustained severe head injuries and has since spent years undergoing treatment.