Racing legend and inspirational athlete Alex Zanardi passed away suddenly on May 1. He was 59 years old.
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Zanardi's family announced the news on Saturday with a statement. They did not provide a cause of death. The Bologna native is survived by his wife, Daniela, and son, Niccolo.
"It is with deep sorrow ?that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday ?evening, May 1," the family said, per The Athletic. "Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him."
A competitor across multiple racing series, Zanardi spent multiple years in Formula 1 before making his way to the United States and CART. It was in this open wheel series that he achieved significant success. He won back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998 while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Zanardi made a brief return to F1 in 1999 before making his way back to CART. He competed in the series in 2001, but he lost both of his legs in a crash during a Sept. 15, 2001, race at EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany.
The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, two-time CART champion whose journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and… pic.twitter.com/CCMjUS7lbh
— FIA (@fia) May 2, 2026
The injuries did not slow down the CART champion. He designed his own prosthetics, learned to walk again, and then began competing in hand cycling.
Zanardi four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. He also competed in the New York Marathon and in multiple Ironman events around the world.
"Chip Ganassi Racing and the whole racing community has lost more than a legend — the world has lost one of its most extraordinary human beings," Ganassi said on X. "Alex Zanardi was the definition of resilience, courage, and grace. He was integral in shaping Chip Ganassi Racing into what it has become.
"From the highest levels of motorsport to his incredible achievements beyond it, he showed us all what it truly means to fight, to adapt, and to live with purpose. His strength inspired millions, but it was his humility, kindness, and unwavering positivity that made him unforgettable.
"He didn't just overcome adversity — he redefined what was possible. Rest in peace, Alex. Your legacy will continue to push us forward, on and off the track."
Zanardi also returned to the race car, winning multiple events in multiple series. He even competed in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway while driving for BMW in 2019. He finished ninth while using hand controls for gas and brake.
"Alex Zanardi was a magnificent IndyCar Series champion and his remarkable abilities on track are legendary and (timeless)," IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles said in a Saturday statement.
"His list of wins and accomplishments run alongside an even more impressive legacy of courage, inspiration, and determination, which he showed during his life's journey.
"Alex will always remain one of the most admired racers of our sport and is a shining example of the attributes it takes to be a champion."
